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.



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