A little less than a year ago, my halmoni ("grandmother" in Korean), at the age of 92, was placed into a long-term care facility.
Though at 92, being placed in a long-term care facility is far from unexpected, it puts my heart in an uncomfortable place.
After surviving two wars, facing discrimination as an ethnic Korean in Japan, raising five kids, and surviving an invasive surgery at 91, I've always joked that she would out live me.
She eventually came to a point where she was unable to take care of herself and it saddens me to see my halmoni, who I once thought was immortal, powerless.
These photos don't reflect her current state or her displeasure of being there. She always greets me with a smile, shares stories, and seems to be more energetic and optimistic with every visit.
Rather, these photos show my perspective and express the sadness it brings me to see her in a fragile state.
Whistler-Blackcomb
August, 2018
Photos from a week long trip across Nevada, Utah, and Arizona
May, 2019
All photos taken for @pridetoronto
Documenting life in the TTC
