Crying in H Mart

9/17/2018

In this heartfelt essay, the author explores her personal experiences as an Asian-American and her relationship with her mother, particularly through their shared love for food. She reflects on her mother's struggle with terminal cancer and the impact it has had on her own identity and sense of belonging. The author delves into the cultural significance of grocery stores like H Mart, which serve as a connection to her heritage and a way to preserve her mother's memory. Through poetic and emotional storytelling, the author reveals the power of food in fostering connections and healing, while also grappling with grief and the complexities of cultural identity.

memoir ꞏ grief ꞏ loss ꞏ japanese culture ꞏ korean culture ꞏ mother-daughter relationship ꞏ food ꞏ food culture ꞏ cooking ꞏ cultural identity ꞏ music ꞏ healing ꞏ coping with loss ꞏ family ꞏ motherhood ꞏ asian american experience ꞏ asian american identity ꞏ immigration ꞏ cultural assimilation ꞏ cultural heritage ꞏ intergenerational trauma ꞏ storytelling ꞏ emotional connection ꞏ music therapy ꞏ self-discovery ꞏ emotional journey ꞏ ethnic identity ꞏ cultural traditions ꞏ cultural expression ꞏ resilience ꞏ sadness ꞏ healing through art ꞏ immigrant experience ꞏ language and identity ꞏ personal growth ꞏ creative expression ꞏ asian cuisine ꞏ food therapy ꞏ emotional release ꞏ cultural adaptation ꞏ cultural experiences ꞏ cultural nostalgia ꞏ multiculturalism ꞏ music and memory ꞏ asian diaspora ꞏ cultural exploration ꞏ grief and healing