She Calls Me Cyallen
And I call her Mom ... she was born in 1933 in Korea to Mang, So Chun and her Mom, who's name I've never known. Her name is Mang, Jung hi and Cindy is what she's called ... the name given to her by my Dad.
This is how I hear her say my name and then her saying it in the video.
[audio src="https://sixteenmilesout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cyallen.m4a"][video width="100%" height="100%" mp4="https://sixteenmilesout.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cyallen-2.mp4" poster=""][/video]
The spelling is likely wrong because I don't know of that name, my name is Carolyn. It's difficult for her to pronounce. I think 'r's' might be a challenge for Koreans. I know ... it doesn't make sense ... but it's one of those unique things in our relationship. And I like it.
Many things are difficult for someone born in Korea in the years leading up to World War II. When she left Korea she bowed to her father. No touching, no 'I love you's' ... just a bow. This is very different than the life we now live with hugs and kisses for all!
There was a time several years ago when Mom and I were doing really well in our relationship. Better than we'd ever done. I had gone to see her and we had a really great time together. When I got home I called her every other day. One day she said to me 'It's like we're best friends!' Just thinking of those words, my eyes still fill with tears. What a treasured memory.
She is a special lady with a very difficult past. If you'd like to read more about her, you can click here.
Mom is sick right now ... she has been for several months. We don't know what the future holds for her ... I suppose just like our own lives, except that she is sick.
In February I was able to fly to Texas and see her for a week. It was a different visit. She spent most of her time in her chair in and out of sleep.
I was just thankful for the opportunity to see her and to sit with her in her home.
Since I've been back home, I've missed her so much. I tried to go see her again, but then the Corona Virus began to change life.
I decided to attempt painting a picture of her. She is a beautiful lady. I treasure her and all the times I've had with her. I love her.
