Mimi

No material thing can ever replace a loved one.

Since Mimi's passing last October, mom and her sisters have been sweet and generous to share a few things of hers with the "girls" in the family. Some of the items have great sentimental value to me. Some things I do not recognize as being Mimi's, but they have tremendous worth to me because I know they were hers. I have enjoyed incorporating some of these precious items into the rooms of my home; I think of Mimi each time I see them. How thankful I am for the time I spent and the memories I made with my lovely grandmother!

A fancy pickle jar that, as a child, I remember being on Mimi's buffet

A silver jewelry box that was kept in Mimi's bedroom. I used to "sneak" back there during family dinners and look at all of her jewelry. I still love jewelry boxes!

A jewelry box and a dish that Mom chose to give me for Easter. Jana and Laren each received treasures as well.

My name is Wayne, and I will be your server.

Adjusting to life in another country is not an easy task. I remember the feeling of homesickness while living in Korea, even though I knew it was where God wanted me to be at the time. It has been challenging for both of us to tackle life in America. I know Choonghwan wishes that he could speed up the process of learning the language and overcoming cultural differences. I am so proud of him. One of the hardest things for him has been finding employment that is satisfying. He recently quit a part-time job at FedEx that he picked up over the holidays. It just wasn't right for him.

He recently took it upon himself to apply at Cracker Barrel and was hired as a server. I have never seen him more tickled about a job! He has really worked hard to learn the American phrase-ology for taking orders and waiting on customers. God has once again blessed him with a friendly and helpful staff of co-workers, and we are both thankful for that grace. It is good for me to see joy in his heart, and to realize that it comes from his joy of serving others. I know that God will bless Choonghwan as his smile and enthusiasm blesses others while they enjoy their meals.

Engaged!

My littlest brother, Patch, recently got engaged to the love-of-his-life, Ms. Laren Lott, from Birmingham, Alabama. We are all looking forward to the wedding in August and are so happy for both of them!

The Barkers come to Nashville!

Choonghwan and I had the most delightful weekend with the Barkers just a few weeks ago. They took the time and energy to make a four hour drive from Atlanta to Nashville, and settled in with us on a Friday evening. Jana had "warned" me that it would feel like they were moving in with all of Mara Kate's baby gear... it did! Our apartment felt so empty when they packed it all up and left on Sunday.

We really had a good time doing new things in Nashville. We ate at the Rainforest Cafe and the Pancake Pantry. Mara Kate took her first ride on a carousel, and tried mandarin oranges for the first time. Our little apartment came alive with Mara Kate pushing her walker around and climbing all over the couch. It was fun to watch her be at ease, and also to watch Choonghwan enjoy and entertain her. It was also fun to call Tuie and let her know that Mara Kate was saying "BeBe"! (pronounced Dee-dee in Mara Kate language) It was equally as good to catch up with my little brother and his lovely bride. It has been such a blessing to have Jana as a sister-in-law. I was glad to finally open my home as they have been gracious on so many occasions to open their home to us!

Somehow, all of the pictures of Kane and Jana ended up on their camera... I promise, they really were here!

Mara Kate settled into her routine in BeBe and Choonghwan's apartment

Mara Kate all dolled up and ready to go out for the day!

Mara Kate likes to eat what she sees others eating... Choonghwan was good to share his caramel rice cakes! Aren't they a pair?!

Thanksgiving and Christmas 2006

It's a lazy winter afternoon, and I've finally found time to update a bit...


Here are a few pictures from the holidays. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we were able to see and spend time with all of the Kane family members... aunts, uncles, cousins and more! We really did miss Mimi, but were blessed to know that she was home for Christmas. For me, this past Christmas was less about the festivities and the gifts and much more about family. Choonghwan enjoys the "American" Christmas more and more each year; we both really enjoy relaxing in K-town.

Thanksgiving in Athens... love those smiles!

Daddo drew my name for Christmas and also gave presents to his girls. Since Pat was in Martin, I got to be an honorary Kane-girl for the evening.

Don't we look cute!

Family

Choonghwan and I spent the most relaxing weekend with my sweet family in Knoxville. The weather was enchanting... not too cold, not too hot, and the fall colors were extraordinary! I especially enjoyed not having an agenda since my fall break includes today, Monday, and tomorrow. I just love these pictures that show the beautiful scenery and our enjoyment of each other as family.

Anonymous Comments

I've gotten e-mails from many of you that you were unable to leave a comment... sorry! That was my ignorance. It should be working now so that anyone can leave a comment... I'd love to hear from you.

Mimi

My grandmother, Alice Lee Kane, died this past Friday morning. She had been sick and in pain for some time, and was at peace with leaving this earth and her family behind to go and be with her Savior.

Death is such an intangible event that causes thoughts and emotions to come and go. I rejoice that her death was not a tragedy; she was not taken from us, she left to go home. I weep for the future ahead without her; we will miss her Christmas morning. Her leaving brings change.

I sat awake at my parent's house early Saturday morning; my mind was full of thoughts and emotions similar to those above. Putting them on paper helped my heart to be at ease. These are the thoughts I wrote down and want to share.

"When you lose someone you love and treasure so much, you'd expect your world to come to an end. Your brain to stop processing. Your mind to go numb. But it's just the opposite. Since Mimi passed on Friday, and even since I heard of her failing condition the night before, my mind and heart have been flooded with memories, thoughts and emotions.

As I spent time at school on Friday preparing for a sub in the possible future, I could only think of Mimi and her love for her students. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else that day but doing a job that she loved, surrounded by students who I love, and who I knew she would have loved as well. Surely, she loved hearing my stories of school and students, and she always encouraged me to persevere.

When I received a call during sixth period to call Mom, I knew that Mimi was gone. My students presented their memorized dialogues in Spanish, and then we played a game. I decided to have them go in order by birthdays, and I started with January. One boy shot up his hand, "My birthday's January 1st," he said. "So is my grandmother's," I said, and there was a simple joy and peace about saying it.

The drive to Knoxville took much longer than it ever has. As we listened to Christian music, songs filled with words like grace, love and mercy, I could only think of heaven and the beauty that is hidden in death. What can describe it? I couldn't think of words, but I knew that Mimi was able to. I knew that she was there. Home.

Choonghwan was so good to drive me to be with my family. We didn't talk too much, but the words he did share with me said it all, "I really lost a friend," he said about Mimi. Simple words, but true. He enjoyed her so much, probably because he knew she enjoyed him. When he was hugging me before we left, I just wept and said, "She loved you so much." He knew. That's why people loved Mimi so; she always showed her sincere love and enjoyment for people of all kinds.

Coming home to a house full of family and friends was another miracle of the day. The hugs felt better, sweeter than they ever have. We talked and laughed and told stories of our lives and childhoods. These were lives that Mimi, by God's grace and provision, had given to us. She loved us all so truly.

As I am flooded by thoughts in the early morning hours, I can't sleep. I am thinking of family coming together. I feel almost ashamed for being so excited to see everyone again for such a sad occasion, but as my thoughts keep coming, I realize that we are coming together to celebrate Mimi's life and encourage and love each other at the time of her death.

In the last four years, there has been a wedding to bring us all together, and Mimi made it to each one, always looking stunningly beautiful. I thought, at first, how we were gathering now without her. No. We are gathering now because of her. And we will celebrate, and we will cry as we remember her. And we will laugh outloud because we are a family who knows how to enjoy each other. That's who Mimi so graciously taught us to be.

And that's the kind of family we'll continue to be, because Mimi knew joy in the Lord as she loved Him, served Him and walked with Him in life and in death. And she walks with Him now, and for that my heart rejoices!"

As I wrote those last thoughts about Mimi's presence in heaven, a light on the other side of the room came on. It startled me, then gave me a reassuring peace. I closed my eyes and prayed thanking the Lord for his gift of salvation. As I opened my eyes from praying, the light turned off. Surely God is with us and the power of his love is real.

Back to School

The first six weeks have just ended, but it has taken me this long to even think about getting something up here about school. As the weeks have gone by, I am feeling more confident and more encouraged in my ability to do this job. What I realized from the get-go is that teaching is more than just one job. Yes, I plan lessons and I teach them, but there is so much more. I am an administrator, a counselor, a book-keeper and a warden at times!

I do love the students, and after six weeks together they are part of my life. We laugh together, get frustrated with each other, and share successes and failures. Middle School is definitely an appropriate age for me as they are so unpredictable, so imaginitive and still children at heart. They try to play it tough and act grown up, but laugh at the silliest things!

I have enjoyed refreshing my Spanish and found that it has been useful when contacting parents. I thought this would intimidate me, but I have really enjoyed it, and I have found out that most parents are on my side. "My side" is simply wanting the best for their student in both the areas of academics and behavior. Since my students have seen my interaction with their parents and my ability to communicate, many behavior problems have been curbed.

So... only five more six weeks to go... I plan to keep a smile on my face and take a sick day soon!

Our Home

Family and friends have asked to see pictures of our apartment since our move to Nashville... so here they are! We love our cozy place and it has come together so well. (With the help of many folks, of course!) Take note of the small "guest bedroom" and come see us sometime!

Garden City, SC

I've decided that the perfect trip between moves is a week at the beach with family. It's the best way to relax and forget about all of the work that was done in moving out and all of the work that is ahead in moving in. Plus, it is simply precious to spend time with family as we get older and our lives get busier.

We really enjoyed ourselves at Garden City and the only thing that would have made it better was having Patch along with us. We sure did miss him! It was especially sweet to have Mara Kate, six months old and full of smiles and laughs. Enjoy the pictures!

What's in a name?

My family gets a lot of laughs from Choonghwan's American name, "Wayne." I guess it's because it's just a good, southern, country soundin' name... (especially as his co-workers like to pronounce it "whine" or "wah-een"... I can't even spell the way they pronounce it!) Choonghwan is a southerner, though, he's from South Korea!

Strangely, the nickname does make people more comfortable in speaking with him. I guess it takes away the fear of mispronouncing "Choonghwan." As a wife, I get to call him lots of things, so it doesn't really bother me... it's just one more affectionate term to throw in the mix.

Stolen

I stole these pictures from Kane and Jana's blog. They are just too cute and too sweet! I know Mara Kate is their daughter, but she's my niece! I'm so excited to be spending a week at the beach with her and her parents, as well as my parents and my sweet husband... (we'll miss you Patch!)

CHRISTMAS

This Christmas was especially wonderful with all family members in attendance! That includes spouses and two new babies... Mary Anna and Mara Kate.

Mara Kathryn Barker

Our sweet niece, Mara Kate, was born on November 27th, 2005!

We love spending as much time with her as possible, and especially enjoyed this Christmas when she came to Knoxville with Kane and Jana.

Isn't she adorable?!

Family... hers

My cousin, Alice Ann got married in Athens a few weeks ago. Our family had the BEST time, as my grandmother would say. Really, we did have a great time. The eight of us spent a long weekend travelling back and forth and enjoying the wedding festivities. For me, it is such a comfort to know that I will see them all again soon. No plane trip back to Korea next week. :)

Family... his

Choonghwan's family came to visit us in Tennessee this September. Well, his parents and his older sister stopped by. We spent the time playing mini-golf, shopping, hiking and visiting family. I survived his mom's "takeover" of my kitchen, and decided that living with the in-laws isn't a priority for me. Most of all, I was thankful for them to be able to see how God is providing for us here, and how my family loves and admires Choonghwan as one of their own.

Up and Running... Walking

We've been back in the states for a while and have seen one season change to another. We've been able to catch up with some friends and catch some friends up on our thoughts and happenings, but we haven't seen all of the faces we'd like to see. Time will schedule those in, we hope.

We're in the great metropolis of Jefferson City, Tennessee. Choonghwan loves the long highway with no traffic and drives it thirty minutes to work at 5:30 am. He is thankful to have found work at Berkline Furniture in Morristown. His co-workers are happy to call him "Wayne" and he comes home with lots of stories. How THANKFUL we are for employment in a kind place.

I'm "working" my last semester at Carson Newman with a semester of student teaching ahead. These courses are not my cup of tea, but I realize they are necessary to pave the road ahead.

We're just about 10 minutes off of I-40 so stop by and see us sometime...