Soon Duk Kim Park

added 2 photo(s) to the memorial :

April 17, 2021

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May 13, 2020

Anna, Mary and Mom

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May 11, 2020

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May 11, 2020

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May 9, 2020

Mom's Very Best Friends since childhood

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May 9, 2020

Mi Hea Park and Ben's family with Soon

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May 9, 2020

I am so grateful that despite mom's physical and mental deterioration, we will always remember mom in her most tender-hearted, loving, silliest and child-like final years. No worries. No burdens. No guilt. No pain. Her most painful memories quickly... moreI am so grateful that despite mom's physical and mental deterioration, we will always remember mom in her most tender-hearted, loving, silliest and child-like final years. No worries. No burdens. No guilt. No pain. Her most painful memories quickly forgotten and living in the moment of enjoying her family and life's simplest pleasures.

The first time I met mom I was so nervous and afraid. 17 years ago, John painted a picture of a woman who had overcome extreme hardship and was not afraid to speak her mind...however painful it was. John was right. She was a tough, strong, independent woman. I remember one day, she spoke some harsh words to me and I thought to myself, "I don't ever want to live with her". A few years later, she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and lived with us. I left my job and became her full time caretaker. I did't know how to cook well, but I researched and learned 💕 how to cook traditional Korean meals. I didn't color my own grey hairs, but I would regularly color hers. I clipped her nails. I took her to church. I bathed her. I took her to her Dr. appointments. I loved on her...even when I didn't want to. Little did I know that during that period, God would change my heart and give me the opportunity to forgive and be forgiven. I am so grateful I was given the opportunity to know and love mom at her very best: sweet, silly, loving and kind.

She loved purple flowers. She laughed often every time John asked if she wanted to eat Montgomery Donuts. She loved rice cakes with beans. She loved her afternoon naps. She would keep flipping back and forth through the photobook of each family member. She loved her childhood friends who would send her gifts and be so happy to talk to her every week. She liked holding John's hand and staring at him in awe when he drove. She liked holding mine when I knew she was grateful. She loved hugging her grandchildren every week and hearing the boys tell her "we love you halmoni".

Mom...we love you and know you're enjoying life in heaven, but know that you've touched my life and taught me so much. I will always be so grateful for you. Thank you for loving me and the boys. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for allowing me to take care of you and witness the very best of you. Missing you. xoxoxo less

I am so grateful that despite mom's physical and mental deterioration, we will always remember mom in her most tender-hearted, loving, silliest and child-like final years. No worries. No burdens. No guilt. No pain. Her most painful memories quickly... more

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Anna Park reacted on this.
Anna Park Hanna- You are a gift for our family and we are so grateful for you. You are so lovely and Mom loved you so much. She shared her wonder at your big heart and generosity without hesitation. She was very happy that she witnessed John as a devoted... more
- May 9, 2020

added 5 photo(s) to the memorial :

May 9, 2020

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May 9, 2020 · via mobile

Although she is my Jagun Umma and I have many memories as a family member, the ones I most treasure are from 20 years of serving together in the same church, without reservation. Jimmy Carter is still teaching bible school at his church and if we had... moreAlthough she is my Jagun Umma and I have many memories as a family member, the ones I most treasure are from 20 years of serving together in the same church, without reservation. Jimmy Carter is still teaching bible school at his church and if we had not moved, we would still be serving together at our church today. She was my first employer at Washington Driving School where she managed the business when Uncle was ill. I learned to answer phones and file index cards with names and phone numbers of the students. In the home, she taught me how to make rice crispies. I recall churning those sticky marshmallows and Auntie telling me that it's the most economical snack one can make. Frugalness is what I witnessed in that home in Bethesda. She would go into the attic and pull out a dusty trunk and an old dress with creases that I didn’t think any ironing would straighten would emerge. She would put it on to go to church looking fabulous -like Jackie O!I She was chic and had a timeless sense of fashion.

But mostly imprinted in my memory are those years we served one church together. Jagun Umma sang Alto in our Choir and served as an Elder. She was well respected, diplomatic, volunteered in our community, never missed an opportunity to help if there was a need. Through the rain, sunshine, snowstorms, a Widow and this Old Miss drove to church together; to DC, then to Virginia. We were both confident and independent women who spoke our minds, shared Bible stories, sang hymns, prayed, gossiped, laughed and cried through our long drives together. I can still hear her voice although its been over 20 years... she was FUN to be around.

And how she spoke of her children and prayed for Anna, Mary and John! I didn’t realize it then, how heavy her burden must have been to carry the family all by herself. Not once did I hear her speak of her hardship, but only possibilities in God. She would whisper to me time to time, how proud she was of her kids~ While they were out conquering the world, Jagun Umma, Single Mom, Independent Woman, God’s Child, prayed for her children in that humble pew.

How sad for the children, how sad I am and for all those who had been touched by Soon Duk’s friendship!
How happy for the children, how happy I am and for all those who experienced this special light in our lifetime!!!
Rejoice! For she is in heaven with Thee~

With all my heart, Love Mi Hea less

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Anna Park reacted on this.

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May 8, 2020

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May 8, 2020

Patricia Lee reacted on this.

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May 8, 2020

Patricia Lee reacted on this.

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May 8, 2020

Patricia Lee reacted on this.

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May 8, 2020

Patricia Lee reacted on this.

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May 8, 2020

My mom sadly passed away last week after being diagnosed with Covid. She suffered from dementia and lived at a memory care center for the last few years. We are not allowed to gather or have a memorial or burial with current Covid restrictions so my... more