My Hero Kim Hyun Ahe

Date: Wednesday February 25

Time: 1:23:23

Miles: 7.15

Last night Kim Hyun Ja passed away. She has been fighting cancer, struggling to manage the pain. Fiercely defying death to live another day, her frail body finally could fight no more and now lays at peace, wrapped in the love of family--four sisters, two brothers-- aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews. All have experienced this too often in their lives. Just a few months ago, Hyun Ja's 24 year old niece traveled the same path. Cancer is a cancer in this family.

My friend Kim Hyun Ahe (photo above) is her sister. Hyun Ahe is one of my personal heros. In a culture of personal reserve and proper distance, this 30 something mom of two fantastic children, has embraced life and embraced me in a tremendously warm and genuine fashion. Her energy, infectious laughter, sunny attitude and wonderful care brings joy to all around her. A few weeks ago, while spending part of my day teaching her husband and daughter how to ski, I could see her watching from a distance. She was beaming. She was so proud of her husband. Hey, learning to ski when we get to be big boys isn't easy! She readily invites me into the life of her family. I attend MinWoo's teakwondo performances, travel with the family to musical concerts and enjoy a Sollee celebration. And in the midst of the joy she brings to others, she struggles with the exhaustion and weariness that comes from caring for the pain of others. She mourns the death of loved ones. She worries about having enough to care and to spare. In unspoken ways she communicates her love.

So, what does this have to do with my run? The day is cold and dreary--fitting my temperament. The seven miles are spent in a melancholy mood as I grieve with the Kim family for the loss of a good person, a life cut short by a disease that can kills us ever so slowly, ever so violently, ever so painfully. Yet, my steps are light as I think of Kim Hyun Ahe. She will persevere. She will give strength to her family. She will go on living life. Ordinary. Mundane. Routine. And that's why she is my hero. Living her ordinary life is a source of extraordinary strength for others.