Isolation Anonymous

Growing up in a family with adulating parents, an over-the-top older sibling, and three ultra-hyper poodle breeds, I was no stranger to a full house. In fact, I expected that to be the norm for everyone. It wasn't. In fact, I never fully grasped the devastating effects of isolation until my grandparents came to live with my family in the states.

Despite sitting mere feet away from my grandmother, we were separated by a behemoth of a language barrier. They didn’t know any English, and the only communication they had with anyone was primarily through online WeChat messages when my mom was working. As they became increasingly isolated, my concern for their wellbeing grew. At least in China they were able to enjoy the outdoors and a similar-aged friend circle without any language barriers. Unable to see them continue to suffer, I scoured articles about how to connect despite language, and I began to take my grandmother on evening walks. She spoke in Chinese; I spoke in English, but we both gestured to what intrigued us. The passing trees, the blooming flowers, and we both pointed to the fleet of pups flanked by a likely dog-walker. We had formed a connection, however unlikely, and I realized it was simply my time and presence that...