Grandpa Ta-ee
Grandpa Ta-ee
In June, during my first trip to Cambodia, I was walking through Lolei village with a friend when an elderly man greeted us with a wide, toothless smile. His joy was so infectious that I immediately wanted to capture that moment on paper.
The next day
I returned to his home and presented him with the drawing. His smile grew even brighter as he examined every detail, playfully mimicking the pose, proudly showing his missing teeth, and laughing heartily.
After leaving Cambodia
I created a joyful reel inspired by him, sold artwork featuring him, and decided to return in August to surprise him with a gift.
When I found him again, we chatted with a translator. I learned that he was living in a small shack next to his two cows, who were more like pets to him. He spent his days caring for them in the fields and resting in his hammock.
When I found him again, we chatted with a translator. I learned that he was living in a small shack next to his two cows, who were more like pets to him. He spent his days caring for them in the fields and resting in his hammock.
When I asked
if he was happy
if he was happy
he admitted that he was struggling with health issues, including weakness. We took him to a doctor and discovered that his condition was caused by malnutrition.
This is how a single encounter changed the lives of an entire village’s elderly!
