Someone you knew at 20 turns 80

< The Reunion of North & South Families >

Imagine being separated with your friends and family, for not just 1 year, not just 2 or 3 years, but for over 6 decades. Someone you knew in your 20s you'll meet again in your 80s. It wasn't your choice, but you missed out on their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s... Even if you were curious about how they were doing, not even a simple, short 'How are you?' phone call can be made.

But then add a year to that, every year added to the age of separation, the opportunity of seeing your loved ones again, face-to-face, alive, goes down...

This is the case for many families, well grandparents, in both South and North Korea. And my grandmother is also a victim to this tragic story. She tells me the stories of her hometown, of her sisters and brothers, of her childhood, but with a smile from happy memories follows sorrow of reality. They do not have time. They cannot wait longer. Everytime I think about my grandma I really hope that she will be able to visit her hometown again in her lifetime. I would also love to join her on that journey!

Now that the two Korea's have opened up peace discussions, I really hope we can all work together to make the hopes and dreams of many families, to meet their friends and family, come true.

If and when the time comes for your voice of support, please let it be heard!