Separated by Distance
During the challenging times of COVID, I found myself in San Francisco, while my mom was in Wuhan, China. With rumors of disease and death spreading, I felt an overwhelming urge to go home, especially when a family member fell ill. But travel was impossible, and I was left feeling helpless.
A New Hobby
My mom, stuck at home, began a new hobby—fabric art. Despite having been away from home for over a decade and not feeling particularly close, the trauma of the pandemic made me want to reconnect. We began talking about her new hobby, and I realized my mom had grown up without much praise or validation. To encourage her, I asked her to make a large carpet for me.
The Challenge
She took on the challenge with enthusiasm, even changing the layout of her house and building a big scaffold to work on it. I felt conflicted, proud of her dedication yet worried about her safety.
The Tapestry of Home
Eventually, she sent me a giant tapestry depicting the icon of homes, saying, 'Since you cannot come home, I'm sending the home to you.' This precious piece was showcased in local shows and museums, bringing her encouragement and giving us something to bond over.
Finding Connection
Through this work, we grew closer, finding a connection in a time of distance.
