#writeforwomen

You, dear friend, are an asset to my health. But not my physical health. No. Rather, by spiritual health. Yes. You, dear friend, are an asset to my spiritual health. You are a woman who has committed to loving me. to guiding me. to praying for me. to encouraging me. to exemplifying grace for me. to serving me. to dining with me. to laughing with me. to supporting me. to knowing me. Truly knowing me. In you, I have seen the truth of words spoken, heard and recorded in read - words which have been attributed to a Savior to whom you have continually pointed me toward while never lessening your grip on grace, allowing me to be where I am and go where I go with a consistency of faith and grace. You have been the friend, the mentor, the example, the sister I have needed. I have watched you enter your own seasons, in different patterns, with different purposes, in different expectations and have seen you tackle, struggle, seek, find, let go and believe. I have seen the choices you make, I have taken note, I have remembered. And now, I thank you. For you, dear friend, are an asset to my health.

Were it not for the sordid pasts of one man and one women, I would not have the pleasure of embracing and knowing you as my sister, my best friend, my partner in crime. In the whole of the world, no other knows to the same depth and truth my history, my shortcomings, my strengths, my passions. Not one can understand how the days of my youth have shaped the days of my adulthood. Not one can claim such a strong position in holding countless memories and moments of my history. Not one can claim such a strong position in influencing who I am, have been and will be. While not my twin, you are my twin. You are my best friend. You are my teacher. You are my student. You are my partner. You are my confidant. You are my sister. While not of the same blood, you are my blood. And now, days away from growing your family. Starting a new chapter, a new life and new stage, I consider who you are, have been and will be and I am confident. In your ability, your attitude, your love, your passion, your strengths and even your weaknesses.

No shortage of memories assault my minds-eye when taking a moment to reflect on this moment in time, this friendship, this life. Memories of life-fully lived and experienced in the land of Kimchi. A land which taught me that there is always something to do with your hands when posing for a photo. A land which taught me the true colors of my husbands character and personality, revealing his wit, humor and spirit in ways which had been previously hidden. A land which taught me the love of fermented foods. A land which captured my heart and contributed to the depth and truth of who I am. Memories of a friendship. Unlikely in some ways, yet so entirely perfect that I would travel half-across the world again just to discover such companion. A woman, my elder, yet willing to call me her equal - regardless of cultural dictation. A woman who loves debating politics, injustices and the existence of aliens. A woman who will enter a coffee shop at your side and keep you engaged in conversations til the last dregs of coffee or hot choco are encrusted to the bottom of your mug. A woman who understands fully the craziness of a season once experienced. Memories of a recent abandonment. Of abandoning in terms of leaving. Leaving Korea. Leaving regular dinner meet-ups. Coincide with memories of the abandonment of jobs (in terms of personal days) to drive hour after hour, through flurry after flurry to reunite. Abandonment of responsibility, if only for a time. Abandonment of being apart, of not being able to speak fully, truly and deeply. Eventual abandonment of the USA, another good-bye, a few more planes standing between this friendship and these memories. Yet the memories are enough. Enough to serve as a reminder that friendship has been formed. Will be sustained. And is ever meaningful.

From your compassionate soul and loving home has sprung forth the man to whom I chose, to whom I commit and to whom I am grateful. Yet I cannot view the perfection of this man in relation to my existence without addressing the family line and the women (and men) from which he comes. And you, my mother-in-law. A woman, who culturally and stereotypically I could expect to loathe and fear. Yet no where can such feelings be found. The heart and character of your son, reflects that of your own. The heart and character of your family, reflects that of your own. And the reflection which has entered this world is one of laughter, compassion, joy, support, encouragement and familial commitment. You amaze me. You have served me. You have loved your husband and your children. You have set an example. You have built a family unit to be admired. You break through stereotypes and leave me with an ever grateful heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sitting there, in a land so desperately unknown to my mind's eye. I imagine your smile and laughter as you sit together, a community of women. Rolling strips of magazines. Stringing beads onto jewelry wire and jewelry elastic. I hope your heart trusts the value of this work, I hope you will see the fruits of your labor, that your children, grandchildren and village children will be well cared for while I model for my friends this new fashion, these gorgeous beads, this cause. I imagine you could teach me lessons in humility, acceptance, grace and joy. I imagine you embrace this opportunity but know that your happiness does not rely on the charity of others. I imagine you are intelligent beyond many a doctorate student, understanding the depth and complexities of this life and this world and what the human soul is capable of in terms of love, compassion and survival. I hope you know that I think the world of you, although I've not seen your face nor have any hope of doing so. I hope you know that I admire your handiwork, your resilience and your commitment to serve, in love, your family and community.

Twenty years my elder, a woman of unbelievable character and perseverance is known by many names, yet one holds the deepest truth, the sincerest form of love, the truest description of who she is: mother. Hailing from a small town, raised as one of five, having experienced the worst of times and the best of times she is a woman of utmost admiration. She chose to offer life for a child, regardless of unsavory beginnings. She chose love, dedication and intentionality. She chose a man and a family and when moments were more trying than desirable she continued to choose love, showcasing for her daughter the value of commitment, perseverance and acceptance of trails. Today, her character is reflected in her legacy, the actions and attitude of those who continue to experience her presence. A positive attitude. A commitment to love. A pursuit of dreams. An uplifting of others. A love for life. A generous heart. A legacy already built.

Read the rest of the writing prompt at The Write Prompts