An ocean of distance created space for me to start understanding my mom
The author reflects on the evolving relationship with her mother, shaped by distance and time. After moving from China to Canada, the author initially faced conflicts with her mother, but the pandemic brought new challenges that changed their dynamic. Through video calls and shared experiences, the author began to see her mother as a person with her own struggles and strengths.
- ▪The author moved from China to Canada at 18, seeking freedom and independence.
- ▪During the pandemic, the author's family faced financial difficulties while she felt guilt for being far away.
- ▪The distance allowed the author to see her mother not just as a parent, but as a person with her own dreams and challenges.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Open this photo in gallery:Illustration by Alex ChenShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountFirst Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at tgam.ca/essayguide.“Hello, pretty girl!” This is how we greet each other now on video calls, loudly, with an exaggerated smile. She is always in the kitchen prepping breakfast when I call across a 12-hour time difference. I can almost smell the hot steamed buns, congee, with a side of fruits.I haven’t seen my mom in six years. Somewhere between distance and time, “mom” became someone I can casually call “pretty girl.”This is not how we used to be.I was the daughter with potential.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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