This essay explores the life and work of Hadley Smith, a woman whose identity has been shaped by decades of unpaid and undervalued care work in service to family, community, and faith. Through an interview conducted by her child, the essay examines Hadley’s lifelong commitment to caregiving, her experiences with gendered labor expectations, and her quiet resistance to capitalist definitions of worth. It highlights how Hadley’s dedication, shaped by deep Catholic faith and a rejection of materialism, reflects broader issues of labor invisibility and social devaluation of care work. Ultimately, the essay offers a personal reflection on growing appreciation for workers like Hadley who embody sacrifice and resilience.
