My grandmother is one of the most important people in my life, but political disagreements have driven a wedge between us

• My Korean grandmother has been a beacon of light and love in my life for as long as I can remember.
• In recent years, political disagreements have only ended in fights and tears.
• Our family has transitioned to a culture of silence when it comes to politics.

Few people in this world make me feel as loved as my halmoni does. In my earliest memories — hazy as they may be — she is there. She swaddles me in the warmest of hugs; she sings to me; she laughs toothily and heartily while conversing with my mother in what they have playfully coined "KorEnglish."