I am so grateful that despite mom's physical and mental deterioration, we will always remember mom in her most tender-hearted, loving, silliest and child-like final years. No worries. No burdens. No guilt. No pain. Her most painful memories quickly forgotten and living in the moment of enjoying her family and life's simplest pleasures.

The first time I met mom I was so nervous and afraid. 17 years ago, John painted a picture of a woman who had overcome extreme hardship and was not afraid to speak her mind...however painful it was. John was right. She was a tough, strong, independent woman. I remember one day, she spoke some harsh words to me and I thought to myself, "I don't ever want to live with her". A few years later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and lived with us. I left my job and became her full time caretaker. I did't know how to cook well, but I researched and learned ???? how to cook traditional Korean meals. I didn't color my own grey hairs, but I would regularly color hers. I clipped her nails. I took her to church. I bathed her. I took her to her Dr. appointments. I loved on her...even when I didn't want to. Little did I know that during that period, God would change my heart and give me the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to know and love mom at her very best: sweet, silly, loving and kind.

She loved purple flowers. She laughed often every time John asked if she wanted to eat Montgomery Donuts. She loved rice cakes with beans. She loved her afternoon naps. She would keep flipping back and forth through the photobook of each family member. She loved her childhood friends who would send her gifts and be so happy to talk to her every week. She liked holding John's hand and staring at him in awe when he drove. She liked holding mine when I knew she was grateful. She loved hugging her grandchildren every week and hearing the boys tell her "we love you halmoni".

Mom...we love you and know you're enjoying life in heaven, but know that you've touched my life and taught me so much. I will always be so grateful for you. Thank you for loving me and the boys. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for allowing me to take care of you and witness the very best of you. Missing you. xoxoxo