Grandma’s Book
Like many other people, I moved back home with my parents during the pandemic. Less common however is that home is also the place where my grandmother—my “Po Po” lives.
It was during this time that I reflected upon my cultural upbringing and my family’s history through the experiences of Po Po and decided to start this project.
I began chronologicalizing my Po Po’s life as a way to translate her experiences into English as a personal record for myself. Since then, this project has evolved into a creative space for me to collect stories and memories of the years that I’ve spent with her as well.
It was during this time that I reflected upon my cultural upbringing and my family’s history through the experiences of Po Po and decided to start this project.
I began chronologicalizing my Po Po’s life as a way to translate her experiences into English as a personal record for myself. Since then, this project has evolved into a creative space for me to collect stories and memories of the years that I’ve spent with her as well.
Print // Digital // Audio
My Po Po only speaks Chinese while I primarily speak English. However, moving back in with her had given me an opportunity to brush up on my otherwise elementary school level of Cantonese.
She and I don’t always know how to communicate with each other in the same language, but if these past few years have taught me anything, it’s that the language of love is pretty universal. Cheesy, I know.
Whenever we are talking with one another, we are always finding a way to get our points across — whether it’s through finger-pointing or wild hand motions, we never fail to make each other laugh.
Working on this project has taught me an immense amount about my family’s history, my grandma’s unwavering spirit of resistance, and how much appreciation I have for this life I’m living because of who she was and is today.
While this is a story about my Po-Po’s life, but it’s also a story about me finding hope and understanding in the generations that came before me.
Excerpts (Click to Enlarge)
