When someone we love passes… we wonder. How can life go on without them? How can there be a “normal” again? Why can’t the world just STOP?

Yesterday, our family lost the love of our son’s life. I never believed that cancer would have the final say. I always thought that I would see her again. It doesn’t seem real. My heart is breaking for not seeing her here again on earth. My heart is breaking for my son and grandsons.

As I look back on when I first met Hyunjin. She came to visit for 2 weeks during Christmas break. I had much anxiety over this. I thought to myself, “what if she doesn’t like us?” That would make for a very unpleasant Christmas break for her. Those anxieties were released when she walked in the door. It was during this visit that she started calling me, “Mom”.We had many memories of playing games and time spent during visits through the years.

I have admired the fact that she gave up everything that was familiar to her to come to a country. The unknown, for the man she loved. From day one, they have relied on each other for everything. They made a home for each other and their two sons.

As saddened as I am and as saddened as I am for my son, our family and all who knew her. I am thankful for the life she lived with my son. I am thankful for the love they had for each other. Many go their entire lives and don’t experience this. Thankful for their family they built together. I am thankful for the memories that we have shared and wish there had been more.

All of us have and continue to love her. I hope she knew how much we loved her.