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Dearest Yeobo,
I know it's the biggest holiday in your country now. Do you remember when we went with your family to visit your ancestors' memorial site? It was a nice thing. At first it was difficult for me, as an American, to bow down on my hands and knees to them, and your parents as well. Then I remembered that my mother had told me that's it's not a big deal. She was right, of course. In fact, it's nice that you pay your respects to your parents and ancestors. Later we went back to your parents' and played Yeot Nari, that game with the sticks. You were on my team and we beat your dad's team and won a little money. It was a lot of fun. Well, I hope you are eating nice food now and your family is visiting. You see, Yeobo, things are sometimes bad for a lot of people, but you must never give up hope. Did you ever see the movie 'It's a Wonderful Life' with Jimmy Stewart? I'm sure you did. You know more movies than I do. Anyway, the movie is right. Everything you do affects someone else. You are too precious and loved to throw your life away. I love you, your family loves you, your friends love you. You make the world a better place for all of us. Without you in this world, it's much more difficult for the rest of us to get along. You make life enjoyable. You make people happy. You are such a sweet woman. And talented and funny, too. Think about it, you play the violin, guitar, and piano, you sing, you speak three languages, and you are a loving, kind person. I wish you a Happy Chuseok. Chuseok is like our Thanksgiving. I'm thankful that you are alive and, hopefully, getting better. I have to remind myself sometimes that there are many kind people in the world. It's tough to remember that when you read all the crap in the newspapers and see all the garbage on the news. One man just sent me some money to help me get a scooter so I can get to work. He doesn't even know me. It's that altruism that gives me hope and, though I am not a religious person, I pray you have hope. You can do anything in this life as long as you have hope. It hurts to write to you, to speak to you, and have no response. I wonder if you can feel this letter. You're far away. Very far. But, my love can travel great distances. That's how strong my love is for you. Get well, Yeobo. And keep your dreams alive. They will come true. I promise.