A couple of weeks ago, my youngest brother, David, graduated from college.
We were all so proud of him. However, no one could be prouder than my parents.
At the end of this day, I couldn't help but think of all my mother had accomplished. If you ask her, she will tell you that she has done nothing of note. I beg to differ. My mother came to this country in 1973 not knowing anything about America or the language. She started working from home sewing clothes for a clothing manufacturer and continued to do so for almost 20 years. We, the oldest 3, were born in Korea while the twins were born here. She overcame many obstacles from the language barrier to the lack of native foods.
The most important accomplishment is how she raised five children with strength. I marvel at how well we all turned out. Not one of us has committed a crime excluding the occasional speeding ticket, all five of us have graduated from college, and we are all close.
Let me tell you a funny thing about my mother. She doesn't feel comfortable speaking English. Her accent makes her very self conscious. Anyway, because she often doesn't speak English, we foolishly thought she did not understand English. Well, she does. Very well, in fact. My sister and I have stopped having conversations about topics we'd rather she not know about.
All in all, my mother is a great example of sacrificing for her children. She worked hard to help my dad support the family. She ruled with an iron fist with the goal of raising us to follow a straight path. She learned, adapted and survived living in a foreign country.
She has every right to feel proud.
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On a side note: My mother had an MRI recently and they found something troublesome. The radiologist thinks it may be a venous sinus thrombosis which is a blood clot in her brain. She's scheduled for an MRV on Wednesday. I would appreciate some prayers for her. I'm worried sick.
KC, I am in tears - what a beautiful post about your mom! You are so blessed. Please be assured of our prayers for her and let us know how it goes on Wednesday.
Posted by: Dawn | December 30, 2006 at 04:57 AM
Your mother sounds like a very admirable person. And I'm sure she's beaming with maternal pride now that her youngest has completed his college education!
I will pray for her good health. A happy and fulfilling new year to you and your family =)
Posted by: Sunnyday | December 30, 2006 at 07:08 AM
We will be praying for your mother here. That was a lovely tribute to her.
Posted by: Jennifer | December 30, 2006 at 07:13 AM
This is a beautiful post. I will keep your mother in my prayers.
Posted by: Cheryl | December 30, 2006 at 08:34 AM
KC,
You all have our prayers. What a tribute to your mom.
Posted by: Maria | December 30, 2006 at 12:25 PM
She is beautiful, and what a beautiful post. She'll be in my prayers.
Posted by: Karen E. | December 30, 2006 at 10:16 PM
We're praying for your mom here at our house. May 2007 be filled with the blessings of joy and health for our whole family, especially your mother.
Posted by: Auntie | December 31, 2006 at 11:43 PM
KC, this is my first stop at your blog, and I get to see this wonderful event in the life of your family as an introduction. Congrats to your brother, and prayers for your mom. I am blessed with a Korean aunt (only a few years older than I am), so I know (second hand) some of the struggles your family has been through--all for the best! God bless your family!
Posted by: MacBeth | January 01, 2007 at 08:44 PM
Thank you for sharing this proud moment with all of us.
I will be keeping your mother in my prayers.
Posted by: Cay G. | January 14, 2007 at 10:35 PM