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.

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