Half a Dream

At Namiseom

Years back, there was a television commercial of one airline showing an old man urging his family to go to the airport. His children told him that it was still too early but then he stressed that their plane will "leave on time", then he started walking in very small steps. I liked that commercial. Not because of the airline itself but because of the actor. At the time that commercial was released, my father started to walk slowly and in small steps. I thought back then, "so this is how Ding would be when we'll be travelling somewhere that requires riding a plane".

At Petite France

At Gyeongbukgong

When I learned that I qualified for a scholarship grant for a doctorate degree here in Korea, aside from the degree itself, another dream that was starting to form was to be able to bring my family here. Even before arriving in Korea and starting my studies, I was already imagining the day when I will graduate and my parents, my brother and his family will be there to celebrate with me.

Trying out the hanbok
at Bukchon Village

Rhododendrons at Yeouido

I already knew back then that it won't be easy, but only because it takes a lot persuading in order to convince Ding to travel to far places. Even the travel from La Trinidad to Biñan where my brother's family resides was too long for him already. That may be case, I still thought it could be done.

But then, Ding went to another place last year. To a place where he can't come back to where we are...

Remaining Cherry Blossoms
inside the campus

Mama is here in Korea now. No, it's not yet time for me to graduate, but then since I was able to save some amount I thought it would be nice to bring her here even for a week. We went around to some of the famous tourist spots in Seoul. She get to see the cherry blossoms which were all in bloom. She came to the university where I'm studying and met my professor and his wife, my laboratory members and my friends. It feels great being able to do these kind of things for the people we love, especially for those who have brought us up and sacrificed a lot for us.

I am happy, but not completely so... It is bittersweet. I'm happy that my mom is here and yet at the same time sad because I was too late... Had I saved up earlier, Ding would have been able to experience it as well. I was too late, and for that I'm sad.

Dinner with Professor Kim and Miju 언니

야식 (midnight snacks) with my roommates

I realized a dream, but only half a dream. It will forever be such. Although there's no way if fulfilling it, I'm still so thankful for this blessing.