Mother & Daughter's Journey

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Monday, September 13, 2010 | 5 photos

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer my entire world was turned upside down. Yet during this turbulent period of uncertainty, it was my mom who was our pillar of strength.
Between relentless chemo and radiotherapy, weekly blood tests and endless doctors we went hiking. Sang in the kitchen. Went through overstuffed closets and put on fashion shows. We laughed so hard one day it took us 15 minutes to get up the stairs.
Mom surprised all the doctors in how well she responded to treatment and in May 2007 she decided we were going to Bhutan. In a time of extreme emotional turmoil in my life I took a deep breath and let the beauty of the landscape and the people ease the ache in my heart.

We climbed up to the precarious Taktsang Dzong, hidden behind a wall of wispy cloud. Mom clambered up with her hat pulled down over her cute cropped hair and the pony we brought, in case she tired, trailing listlessly behind us.

Talking with students and seeing their smiles made me realize that we can all find some small happiness in human connections. Most of all appreciating the ones we have.

Religion in Bhutan is so deeply engrained into daily life. I felt that I could embrace the same ideals without having to put a name to what I was feeling.

I was really moved by many of the young boys that I saw in the monasteries. Although sometimes they would joke around like kids their age, their eyes carry a wisdom beyond their years.

Bhutan has a truly special place in my heart. My story is one that happened internally, about finding a strength and acceptance inside myself. It is one of the last wonderful times spent with my mom before she died. To be able to pursue my passion in photography and get a chance to see this unbelievable country again would be like a dream come true.