Celebrating Love from Afar

In the embrace of resplendent nature and the tender touch of sunshine, my dear friend embarked on a wondrous journey of eternal love and commitment. It marked a joyous chapter, brimming with promises and dreams. Yet, fate played its hand, entangling me in the web of distance and withholding the cherished travel permit, leaving me no choice but to patiently await amidst the immigration process in the United States.

As the day of my dear friend's wedding drew near, a whirlwind of emotions stirred within me. Excitement and longing intertwined, as our cherished memories delicately unfolded. Through the ebb and flow of life, our bond remained unyielding. I had always envisioned myself standing next to her on this momentous day, just as she had. Yet, life had charted a different path, carrying me far from the familiar embrace of home and preventing me from partaking in the joyous celebration.  The vast expanse of separation seemed insurmountable, amplifying the longing tucked within the depths of my heart. It was this very longing, this indescribable feeling of Saudade, that ultimately pulled me back home to South Korea after years spent abroad. And now, amidst familiar emotions and the nostalgic scent of crisp, contemplative air, I stood, as if time itself conspired to reunite me with those moments of solitude. The pain of not being able to be with those I hold dear on their special days, and the sorrow of them not being able to join me on mine, weighed heavily on my heart. These sentiments stayed with me for days. I had to pause and sit with these feelings to finally surrender to the immutable truth that there are certain things we must let go of, for they exist beyond the sphere of our influence.

I was eventually able to redirect the currents of my focus and begin seeking out other pathways to remain present in her journey. And I found solace in celebrating love from afar. As I watched the heartfelt videos my mom graciously sent me (and, of course, she was sobbing), capturing the essence of my friend's wedding, a flood of emotions washed over me, carrying me back to the innocent, youthful, and joy-filled chapters of our lives. The screen became a window into our intertwined existence, where vibrant explorations and shared adventures blossomed. In the collection of those moments, my heart swelled with the echoes of delighted laughter, effervescent spirit, and the indescribable bond we forged. The sheer exuberance of those sparkling days reverberated within me, and I was reminded of the depths of our connection that transcends physical distance.

 As the wedding day unfolded, my heart eagerly awaited glimpses captured by my family and friends in attendance. Though physically absent, I immersed myself in the joy and beauty of the occasion through photos and videos, breathing life into those cherished frozen moments. Each frame spoke volumes, portraying radiant smiles, sacred vows, and tender embraces that evoked tears of joy and painted vibrant pictures in my mind.

To miss my dear friend's wedding, as well as other cherished moments of our loved ones back home, evokes a bittersweet mix of emotions. Yet, within the depths of longing, I unearth invaluable lessons of resilience, adaptability, and the unwavering power of profound connections. Love's reach knows no bounds, and the strength of our relationships is steadfast, as it resonates with every step we take on the path of love.

So may we treasure the fleeting moments and wholeheartedly embrace love, regardless of the circumstances or the distances that life may impose.

For in the vastness of love, boundaries fade away and connections deepen.

Namaste.

@mijielinalee