A Little Girl who Touched Many Hearts... Sunday, June 7

I attended a special ceremony today for the passing of a beautiful little 9 year old Korean girl -- the daughter of the man I had met on Friday.  He had told me today marked the one year anniversary of his passing and his story really got to me so I started to look into it more.  Turns out I have met him before, well seen him but not met him as in talked to him.  When I initially talked to him on Friday I didn't recognize him but then when he added me on Facebook I looked through his news feed and realized our paths had crossed a little under a year ago. 

 

I had gone downtown to meet a friend for coffee and was going to get the bus when our paths crossed.  He was holding a sign and I recognized the detailing of it as being for someone who has passed away.  A few months earlier the Sewol boat sinking with the loads of school children and their teachers had happened.  Downtown was littered with yellow ribbons and at first glance I assumed he was connected with it.  But in waiting for the bus and watching people stop to read his sign, I glanced over and tried to make sense of what was written on it.  All I could make out was the age of the child in his poster's picture, and something about a surgery at a hospital.  It was obvious the poster was saying something about a young child's death but I couldn't really understand it so I took a picture of the poster and later asked Snickers about it.   

 

I didn't know if it was weird for us to show up, me having met this new friend only this past Friday and Snickers not having yet met him, but we showed up regardless.  I think in situations like this people can never have too much support and we all need support.  I think just the presence of those around, regardless of if they're family, close friends or just associates, really comforts people.  There is comfort in knowing people are there for you and I wanted him to know that despite us not really knowing each other that I do care.  He bares a terrible tragic story, one that I will never fully comprehend or understand the full impact of it, but it's one I wouldn't wish on anyone.  I definitely commend him for his strength and ability to continue on but he's not alone.  The ceremony room wasn't packed when we arrived but we had arrived well before it actually started.  We stayed for a bit, chatted with him and then sat and watched as slowly others arrived to show their respect.  His daughter may be physically gone but she is still so very present in the hearts and minds of those who knew her and those who never met her too, like Snickers and I.