Tôi làm cuốn sách này cùng những dòng nhật ký của bản thân. Đây là những gì tự nhiên nhất, bản năng nhất và thành thật nhất của tôi,
với tư cách là một người con trong gia đình.
Có lẽ ở đây, sự riêng tư và công khai, khi song hành cùng nhau, chính là điều cần thiết cho tôi cơ hội kết nối với những người khác và hiểu biết hơn về bản thân mình.
I made this book with words written in my diary. This is what’s realest, most instinctive and most sincere of me as a daughter in my family.
Perhaps this parallel privacy and exposure is necessary for me to have a chance to connect with other people and to know more about myself.
A SMS From Mom
“I’ve lived in misery and become so indifferent towards my present life. Watching you grow up has given me enough strength to get over my past sufferings. Your younger brother still needs a well-rounded upbringing before I can leave. Nevertheless, I’m not sure if destiny is with me on this last journey.
“Before being sent to eternity, I wish to witness your lives attain stability, to see all of you starting your own families in peace and happiness. I wish that especially for you, my beloved daughter. If I lie down tomorrow, I’d like to ask for your help, dear, to take care of your younger brother, not so different from how I took care of you when you were little. My life has not had a grain of happiness since your father came. However, your maturity and your camaraderie with your siblings are the greatest treasure of my life, knowing that my sacrifice has not gone to waste. From above, I would be fulfilled seeing your accomplishments.”
- I took these photographs from the viewpoint of a daughter, observing my family and my life, perhaps as self-remedy. My mother’s body and that of mine are inextricably interwoven. This connection does not need further explanation.