93D

93D is the address of the home I was raised in. It’s currently my uncle’s residence. My auntie on my mom’s side recently passed in December of 2025. My whole entire family used to live in there. There was 9 of us (7 kids, my mom and dad), plus my sister Tina’s husband at the time and their daughter Vanessa. That’s a total of 11 people.

It’s hard to imagine we used to sleep all on the floor like sardines when you enter a space that’s only a few meters long. There was a little burner for cooking and a bathroom in the back. I do not have many memories but I do remember being terrified of the bathroom. There was this bucket you scoop water out to shower and a hole for the toilet. No wonder I dreaded showering as a child! Lol

The house has been completely renovated over the years, with a second floor added. You can see my Auntie’s altar and my grandparents altar on my mom’s side as well. We had a nice visit with my uncle who was cooking his lunch and listening to New Years music. He seemed to be in good spirits.

I always feel mixed emotions returning home and seeing the space where it all began. A bit of heaviness and a great deal of gratitude. From this house to the present moment with life in Canada has been a journey we are grateful because of my parents. They had the courage to leave post war communist Vietnam and start a whole new life in Edmonton.

I made a keychain celebrating the year of the Fire horse with the 3 countries that has connected my family: Vietnam Canada and Mexico, with the heart of 93D that started it. ❤️