Susan Hwang

My mom has an email account, and she texts me in Korean, and I love all these communications, but something extra shockingly adorable and touching always comes through in her handwritten notes.  She’s old-fashioned that way (and other ways).  She sends thank you notes and just general notes to say hi.  My favorites are the pictures she includes.  She studied art in school as much as she could before reality dictated she focus on her pharmacy studies (remember, art=death in the Korea of her times).

I moved recently after my break-up with my boyfriend of 6 years.  This card arrived in the mailbox of my new apartment 2 days ago:

Dear Susan:

I know you must be very busy, but at least the weather is better now.  It will take time to put everything in the right places.

I am sorry I can’t help you.

“I hope you have better life in the new place.”

I love you.

Mom

 
She really wants me to have a better life–so much so, that she reiterates it and underlines it on the next page of the card after including the most depressing Bible quote there is, which basically states “Don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will also suck.”  Thanks, Mom…

“never be anxious about the next day.  for the next day will have its own anxieties.  Each day has enough of its own troubles.” (Matthew 6:34)

I hope you have better life in the new place.

But she drew me flowers!  Mom!