happy birthday to my beautiful mama

today is her birthday. 

i was born a day before her. 

i always used to tell her that i was her best present. 

her name, mi ja, literally means beautiful child.

 she is the most beautiful and kind mom anyone can ask for. 

i admire her wit, charm and strength in times of adversity.

she learned how to drive in the big new york city just so i can take lessons at manhattan school of music.

she loves dogs and i think i inherited the compassion for animals from her.

she also loves musicals and so we grew up with lots of music and old movies. the sound of music was our favorite.

she was a great painter. oil painting was her field. but she gave up her dreams to start a family and raise my brother and me.

sometimes i wish i can turn back time for her to live out her dream.

she's been battling mental illness for some time now, and there were days when it was hard to search for the mama i remembered from childhood. but she's there... in her cheery smiles and the touch of her warm hand. she's a strong woman who made sacrifices to put others before her. i only wish that i can be as compassionate and strong as her.

i love you, mom. 

happy  birthday.

my mama on the left playing rock, paper, scissors. she's terrible at that game. i think i inherited that from her too.

she majored in fine art. her paintings used to hang on the walls of our home. 

my mom on her wedding day (left). and my parents on a date (right).