The past three years have been incredibly challenging. After the pandemic struck, my freelance work dwindled, and I struggled to find purpose as my mother’s health deteriorated. Managing her kidney failure and weakening heart has been overwhelming. My brother and I decided to sell our house in Aiea, with each of us taking responsibility for one parent.

Since then, I've dealt with numerous ER visits, hospital stays, and moments of dread. Though my mother is still with me, the financial strain has been immense. I never anticipated the extent of these challenges; my sole focus has been on her comfort and well-being.

Her condition has stabilized somewhat, but significant improvement is unlikely for kidney patients. We’ve established a routine, but I often wonder how others handle similar situations. I look forward to a time when the burden of her care is lifted, though I’ll have to accept that continuing may not be feasible if her pain becomes too severe. We've discussed and documented our plans with Mom and the family, but that's not the focus of this project.

My life now revolves around caring for my mom, whose health is fragile and whose age advances. Whether she’s at dialysis, resting in her recliner, or asleep with the TV on, I stay within a two-mile radius to handle any unexpected issues.

My project, "Two Mile Radius," captures the world within this perimeter. Through photography, I find a vital escape from the stresses of caregiving, offering moments of respite and reflection amid the challenges.