My mother’s love was a gift I still feel every day. She is still holding me and nurturing me daily, even though yesterday was 17 years since she went home to be with our Lord and Savior. The events of that evening, the last moments I held her hand, kissed her face and sang Amazing Grace with her as she left this world with the same grace she lived. It will never leave my heart and soul until we are together again.
Food is Love in its purest form. We are fed from the beginning of life. Our mothers, in particular, are givers of that strength and that love. Their bodies nurture us in their womb, feed us as infants, and prepare food for us all the days of their lives.
I can still smell and taste the wonders she prepared for me. That Love carries on in the food I prepare now to honor her—to honor the legacy, love, and devotion of a woman who was 100 times the size of her stature.
The flavors and fragrances of the Land of the Morning Calm keep Miss Mary’s arms wrapped around me. Her memory will never fade. How could it? She gave so much and still does each and every day.
As I started the journey of writing a book, I thought I had an idea of what the path would look like: I would sit down and write the stories and recipes to share and honor her. I had no idea how this would evolve.
As I share food, conversation, and even history about this remarkable woman and our culture, of which I am so proud, I realize that something incredible has been happening over and over again… The stories are coming to life and beginning to tell themselves. I share the food, see the smiles, and hear the words about the taste and texture. The history comes out, and the stories I share about Mary with each dish are finding life.
All I can do is be the son that will never forget. Always honor and love my mother Mary.
As Mary would say at every serving ‘Jal meok ge sseum ni da’ 잘 먹겠습니다 – Eat Well!
On the evening of March 3rd, 2008, the light did not dim. It rose to heaven and became the star that guides me.
Mommy, your loving son remembers…
