"A Helping Hand"
My aunt, who adopted me when I was 10 and promised me a better life in Canada than in Korea, turned out to be very abusive. She had unrealistic expectations and would beat us senseless when we didn’t meet them. Once, my cousin and I got in trouble, and our punishment was being locked in a room with only a bucket for a bathroom, without food or water. Exhausted from hours of beatings, my little cousin snuck in a cookie for us to eat. If our aunt had found out, she would have faced severe punishment too. I am so grateful for her help, as my cousin's support helped me survive.
 
12" x 12"
Oil on canvas
Ready to hang