Taeri Park

As the gentle rays of the morning sun rose over the Han River, they extended a warm invitation to the new day. The world around her was still in the midst of its slumber and she took a leisurely stroll along the tranquil riverside. The soft breeze caressed her skin, carrying with it the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms. Their petals danced in the air as if celebrating her every step. The streets were quiet, most of the shops still resting, offering a serene preamble to the bustling day ahead.

In the midst of this idyllic scene, a young woman in her mid-20s moved with grace, mirroring the peace of her surroundings. Her serene countenance resonated with the tranquility of the morning. Along her path, she greeted each person she encountered with a warm and open smile. Her eyes, a rich shade of brown, observed the world with genuine curiosity, occasionally veiled by her long, curly hair. dressed up in a yellow cardigan and white jeans, she exuded an aura of serenity and calm.

Upon reaching her destination, she retrieved the key to her café, "Sweet Morning Bliss." Though not particularly large, it held a special place in the hearts of the locals. With practiced ease, she secured her long hair in a bun, wore an apron, and treated herself to a cup of coffee before officially opening her café for the day. With her coffee in hand, she turned the sign on the door to "open" and warmly awaited the arrival of her first customers.

It was an ordinary Monday morning, and slowly but surely, people began to trickle in. The first to enter were high school students, soon followed by employees from the nearby offices. I observed this daily ritual of individuals seeking solace amidst their bustling lives, drawn by the promise of a mindful and quiet sanctuary.

As the clock neared 9 A.M., she took a brief break, reaching for her journal. Her daily musings filled the pages, revealing her thoughts on the day and the potential customers who might visit, captivated by the enchanting cherry blossoms nearby. She contemplated the lunches housewives might bring with them, wondering whether she'd have the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories.

Her mother had instilled in her a profound belief that family is not solely the product of shared blood but is formed through the bonds we nurture with others. As she reminisced, she realized that her café had become an embodiment of this profound message. Every customer who walked through the café's doors became a part of her extended family, and she faithfully carried on her mother's legacy by spending her days with them and returning to the orphanage each night. This was her unique way of honoring her mother's memory and perpetuating the invaluable lesson about the essence of family.

The serene morning at the café gradually transformed into a bustling morning as customers continued to arrive. The day followed its familiar rhythm, with people taking a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and seek refuge from their busy lives. High school students arrived with their youthful enthusiasm, and employees from various offices sought respite from the demands of their work. The chaos of hustle and bustle lasted up to 11 A.M.

At around 11 in the morning, she decided to take a quick break. She grabbed her journal and started writing down her thoughts. In her diary, she thought about how the day had been going so far. She wrote about the people who had visited the cafe and what was on their minds. Some were worried about not finishing their homework, others were nervous about upcoming exams. There were folks upset because their best friends hadn't come to school. Some were feeling stressed because their boss was waiting for a presentation. And then there were those excitedly planning a vacation. The stories were diverse, and she found it fascinating to capture a glimpse of everyone's lives in her diary.

Her diary also revealed her personal history, a tale of growing up without a family, being abandoned, and being left near an orphanage. While other children found homes, she remained, as prospective parents often found reasons to pass her by. Yet, she was cherished and embraced by the sisters at the orphanage.

One particular sister noticed her sadness when her best friend was adopted while she remained unchosen. The sister acknowledged that people perceived her as strong, and this very strength seemed to be a deterrent for potential adoptive families. However, the sister assured her that strength wasn't always the answer to everything. She asked if she truly longed for a family, and upon her affirmative response, the sister adopted her as her own daughter.

Years passed, and she pursued her education with the support of her adoptive mother, who selflessly sacrificed her health and well-being to ensure her daughter's academic success. When her mother's health declined and she ultimately passed away, the young woman found herself unable to continue her college education. In the face of this unforeseen obstacle, she chose to utilize the insurance money her mother had left behind to open a café. This establishment served as a tribute to her mother's warmth and kindness, a place where her mother's spirit lived.

The peaceful morning at the café gradually transitioned into a bustling afternoon as customers continued to pour in. The day unfolded with its customary rhythm, each visitor contributing to the ever-growing tapestry of the extended family she had cultivated through her café.

In this welcoming place, people from different walks of life came together. There were high school kids and couples who had spent a lifetime together. This space had witnessed everything – love, sharing, marriage proposals, betrayals, heartbreaks, and heartwarming moments. It was like a vault for emotions, a place where people's feelings were shared within these four walls.

The café's ambiance was a reflection of the values that the young woman had embraced. It was a place where the warmth of human connection radiated, and where everyone, regardless of their background, found a welcoming haven. Amidst the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of cups, individuals became more than customers; they became cherished members of an ever-expanding family.

As the hours passed, the café witnessed countless stories, shared laughter, and even occasional tears. It was a place where milestones were celebrated, where friendships blossomed, and where the simple act of sharing a cup of coffee became an expression of camaraderie. The young woman's commitment to her mother's legacy transformed a modest café into a sanctuary of acceptance, a testament to the belief that family is what we create through the connections we foster.

The café was not just a place to savor coffee and pastries; it was a space where the barriers of loneliness and isolation were broken down. Each customer, from the youngest to the oldest, became part of the café's extended family. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the Han River, the sense of belonging and togetherness within the café only grew stronger.

The stories and experiences shared within those four walls were as diverse as the people who frequented the café. It was a testament to the power of human connection and the simple but profound act of breaking bread and sipping coffee together. Each day, as the young woman turned the sign from "open" to "closed," she knew that she was not just serving coffee; she was cultivating the bonds of a family that transcended bloodlines and spanned generations. In her café, she had discovered the true meaning of family, a lesson passed down by her beloved mother, one cup of coffee at a time.

I recognize that it's a long journey ahead, but with my mother's blessings, I feel prepared to take the next steps in my life. My mother has always been my hero, and her only wish for me was to find happiness. I'm not entirely sure how to attain it, but I believe I will figure it out eventually.

My mother's unwavering support has given me the courage to embark on this quest. She always emphasized the importance of being content, and I aim to honor her memory by finding the missing pieces of my life's puzzle. It's a journey filled with uncertainty, but I hope it leads to answers and a deeper understanding of my roots.

I've also discovered the joy of helping others along the way. It's amazing how much happiness can be found in selflessness and in making a positive impact on someone else's life. My mother's love and kindness have inspired me to pay it forward and share the joy she brought into my life with others.

In the process of searching for my birth parents, I hope to not only find answers about my past but also to learn more about the people who brought me into this world. It's a journey of self-discovery and gratitude, and I am determined to undertake it for the sake of my loving mother and myself.