Mary ShinLately, I’ve been thinking about my Korean upbringing. One defining word always comes to mind.Duty; Expectation; Tradition; For the family name.
Okay, so I guess more than one word pops up. But my fellow Asians get it.
From an early age, my parents groomed us for a specific world.
A professional world of only doctors, lawyers, and accountants, and nothing in between. Everything was done for the sake of the family, to ‘save the face.’ Hugs and other displays of affection were rarely seen. As a parent myself now, I appreciate everything they did for me.
I love that they tried their best. I love that they showed me right from wrong. I love that they pushed me to find my own place in this world. And I love that they loved me, and still do.
Maybe after so many years, it’s my turn to show them what was missing.
Whenever I call them, I try to end with the simple words, ‘I Love You.’
Although they struggle to say it back, I don’t expect them to say the words they may never have said or received before.
Maybe the best I’ll ever get back from them is, ‘Me’Too.’
And that’s enough.
