From a bamboo root, you've woven a wonderful story. Your story is true for all of us. I tend to focus only what is visible, but life has continuously taught me that the greatest strength often grows out of sight. The power of small things that has been built in every ordinary days are enormous. I also think that sharing our thoughts and offering one another even small acts of help can become the roots that keep a community from falling apart.
A wonderful story, an honorable story, a heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading it and admire you, your father, and your grandparents. Perhaps your ancestors and my wife’s ancestors knew each other 200 or 300 years ago—though what is that, really, in the grand scheme of history? About 15 years ago, we were at a major art fair in Cologne. While looking at the work of a Korean artist, I remarked to my wife that the painter might be related to her; the artist’s surname was An, just like my wife’s. It soon became clear that they belonged to the same branch of the An family. They shared the same family history: how, 600 years ago, the family’s progenitor had come to Korea in the retinue of a Chinese princess from Taiyuan (in Shanxi province) who was traveling there to marry a king. Three hundred years later, their paths diverged; one branch remained in the capital, while the other settled near Chungju-si. Yet, within minutes, the painter and my wife were embracing, united by the awareness that they shared the same roots. We met her again a year later in Seoul. So, why shouldn't you and my children be related? It would fill me with pride and joy. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you, @Gerd L.! My father always insisted that all of us are related to each other if one traces back our ancestry far enough.
I hope to learn more about your wife and her ancestry and everything else about both of you! Is Ms. An on Substack? I’m barely able to find the Publish button with my poor eyesight. But my searches for your wife’s Substack has yielded nothing.
@DianeRoth - Nonsense! I've been wanting to share my thoughts about your latest writing, along with those of @Yuni Jung, @Dr. Jiwon Yoon, @Henry Eng 's, and so many more. But I need a vacation from my vacation(s)! 😂
This really resonated. So many immigrant families carry that same story — leaving behind everything familiar, knowing it's still better than what they're fleeing, and having to rebuild from nothing on the other side. There's a specific kind of will it takes to do that, and I love how you found it mirrored in something as unglamorous as bamboo roots.
Also — have you tried eating the shoots?! Bamboo shoots show up all over Asian cuisine.
From a bamboo root, you've woven a wonderful story. Your story is true for all of us. I tend to focus only what is visible, but life has continuously taught me that the greatest strength often grows out of sight. The power of small things that has been built in every ordinary days are enormous. I also think that sharing our thoughts and offering one another even small acts of help can become the roots that keep a community from falling apart.
A wonderful story, an honorable story, a heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading it and admire you, your father, and your grandparents. Perhaps your ancestors and my wife’s ancestors knew each other 200 or 300 years ago—though what is that, really, in the grand scheme of history? About 15 years ago, we were at a major art fair in Cologne. While looking at the work of a Korean artist, I remarked to my wife that the painter might be related to her; the artist’s surname was An, just like my wife’s. It soon became clear that they belonged to the same branch of the An family. They shared the same family history: how, 600 years ago, the family’s progenitor had come to Korea in the retinue of a Chinese princess from Taiyuan (in Shanxi province) who was traveling there to marry a king. Three hundred years later, their paths diverged; one branch remained in the capital, while the other settled near Chungju-si. Yet, within minutes, the painter and my wife were embracing, united by the awareness that they shared the same roots. We met her again a year later in Seoul. So, why shouldn't you and my children be related? It would fill me with pride and joy. Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you, @Gerd L.! My father always insisted that all of us are related to each other if one traces back our ancestry far enough.
I hope to learn more about your wife and her ancestry and everything else about both of you! Is Ms. An on Substack? I’m barely able to find the Publish button with my poor eyesight. But my searches for your wife’s Substack has yielded nothing.
No, My wife is not on Substack. She doesn’t like any Social Media. But you would like her and she would like you. I am certain about that.
What a fantastic post, Catherine! Such an amazing metaphor! Wishing you so much luck as you unearth all of the roots -- bamboo and familial! ❤️
Thank you, Diane! I’ll share my thoughts about your posts! 🙏
Please feel no obligation! Always happy for your input but no pressure ❤️
@DianeRoth - Nonsense! I've been wanting to share my thoughts about your latest writing, along with those of @Yuni Jung, @Dr. Jiwon Yoon, @Henry Eng 's, and so many more. But I need a vacation from my vacation(s)! 😂
Totally get that!! There isn't enough time in the day!! I'll be happy to read your comments for all of our work when you get relief from vacation!!!
This really resonated. So many immigrant families carry that same story — leaving behind everything familiar, knowing it's still better than what they're fleeing, and having to rebuild from nothing on the other side. There's a specific kind of will it takes to do that, and I love how you found it mirrored in something as unglamorous as bamboo roots.
Also — have you tried eating the shoots?! Bamboo shoots show up all over Asian cuisine.
Thank you for reading, @RickyWang! What you say is so true about immigrant families, regardless of which continent or country of origin.
Yes! Bamboo shoots are delicious. I only enjoyed them before I saw bamboo as invasive. Dandelion greens are also yummy. 😋