where im from

i am from hand sewn cushions, from the smell of DOVE and TIDE...

i am from the only green roof on the block with the unmatching turquoise porch that catches your eye from the distance...

i am from the green tea leaves and the orchid flowerpots, that also bloom when we think they've died...

i am from three kisses to bid good night and loud laughter, from Jong-Eun and Jinhan who became Jeannie and James, and the king, Wang...

i am from the let's watch videos 'til dawn and make sure no food is wasted...

from "love means never having to say im sorry" and "enjoy every moment of your life..."

i am from my grandma's Buddhist beads and the new embracing of "in Him we are free and wonderfully made..."

im from Chicago's west side and the turbulent divide of North and South Korea, the pickled cabbages (kimchi) and Costa Rican coffee...

from the traumatic surgery and recovery of papa wang, the strength of my mom when we faced our eviction, to the growing dreams of my unee who will become that great change she seeks to be...

i am from our first family photo on my parents' 32nd wedding anniversary and all the ones that came before, through polaroids, tripods, disposables, and my own memories...

i am from love that goes beyond money, success, culture, or the norm.

-s. wang