On June 19, under the blazing summer sun, Haeng and Gamja, two activists of the Korean Council, set out to visit a halmoni in Gyeonggi-do. As they drove along the highway, they quietly wondered how she might be feeling that day and what funny stories she might share.
Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by her daughter, who graciously prepared a hearty spread of sandwiches, coffee, and rice cakes. They were filled with gratitude, as always, for such generous hospitality.
Recently, halmoni’s energy has noticeably declined. For Gamja, it was her first visit in a while, and seeing halmoni—once full of lively jokes and laughter—lying quietly on her bed, barely able to move her lips, was heartbreaking. They had brought beef bone soup and meat, hoping it would help her regain some strength. Sitting with her daughter, they chatted about halmoni’s recent condition and whether she’d been getting outside. Thankfully, she still visits the park from time to time.
Wanting to hear her voice, the activist gently asked, “Halmoni, could you tell us a funny story?” With a bit of effort, she lifted herself up and responded with a smile, “A funny story?” When they said she didn’t have to get up, she waved them off and said playfully, “I’ll tell you something funny—have a fun with snacks!” Her smile brought laughter all around.
Before long, it was time to return. With heavy hearts, they headed back to their car, waving goodbye as halmoni and her daughter sent them off from the window, waving their hands again and again.
They left with one heartfelt wish: that halmoni regains her strength soon. Every story she shares is precious, and her presence brings light and joy to all who visit.
On June 19, under the blazing summer sun, Haeng and Gamja, two activists of the Korean Council, set out to visit a halmoni in Gyeonggi-do. As they drove along the highway, they quietly wondered how she might be feeling that day and what funny stories she might share.
Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by her daughter, who graciously prepared a hearty spread of sandwiches, coffee, and rice cakes. They were filled with gratitude, as always, for such generous hospitality.
Recently, halmoni’s energy has noticeably declined. For Gamja, it was her first visit in a while, and seeing halmoni—once full of lively jokes and laughter—lying quietly on her bed, barely able to move her lips, was heartbreaking. They had brought beef bone soup and meat, hoping it would help her regain some strength. Sitting with her daughter, they chatted about halmoni’s recent condition and whether she’d been getting outside. Thankfully, she still visits the park from time to time.
Wanting to hear her voice, the activist gently asked, “Halmoni, could you tell us a funny story?” With a bit of effort, she lifted herself up and responded with a smile, “A funny story?” When they said she didn’t have to get up, she waved them off and said playfully, “I’ll tell you something funny—have a fun with snacks!” Her smile brought laughter all around.
Before long, it was time to return. With heavy hearts, they headed back to their car, waving goodbye as halmoni and her daughter sent them off from the window, waving their hands again and again.
They left with one heartfelt wish: that halmoni regains her strength soon. Every story she shares is precious, and her presence brings light and joy to all who visit.