On Snowy Days, I Remember the Words That Stayed

On Snowy Days, I Remember the Words That Stayed

​On this snowy day, I suddenly think of my aunt who passed away. My aunt always called me "princess," even when I was a grown woman. She was the only relative who called me by such a loving name and always spoke kind words to me; she was a warm-hearted person.

​She was in hospice care with terminal cancer, but she told me she felt so peaceful knowing she would soon be with God. She said she had no regrets about leaving this world and that she felt completely at peace. I think she's probably smiling in heaven right now.

​Thinking of my aunt makes me feel sad, but also warms my heart. I remember the comfort, encouragement, and loving words she gave me. I think that simply being able to say such beautiful things to someone makes a person's life truly beautiful. Experiencing my aunt's death made me think more about life and death. I also remember other people around me who have passed away.

​We called him Mr. Bob. He was the American landlord I met on my first day in Germany. The apartment I happened to rent belonged to an American, and the wall clock in it was made in Korea. He had served as an engineer in the Korean War. Just because we were Korean, he showed us warmth and kindness. But he passed away on a day like this, when it was snowing. I can't forget the inscription on his tombstone: "Thank you."

​It seemed like a summary of his entire life. Even now, when I think of him, I feel grateful. On Thanksgiving Day, he and his beautiful German wife, who was originally from Poland, invited us, strangers, to their beautiful home. And they lit a fire in the fireplace, showing us such warmth. I can't forget the warmth of that fireplace that I saw that day. Now this picture is a memory of the past, and Mr. Bob, who was tending the fire, has passed away, but that warmth will remain with everyone who experienced his kindness and consideration. Just like the warmth that remains in the hearts of me and my family.