RIP Grandpa One Il Rhau 노원일.

I love you and will miss you tremendously. You have fought the good fight and lived a very long life for over 90 years here on Earth. The vast memories we’ve spent together for the past 27 years are memories I will cherish and always remember. I’ll never forget the numerous trips we’ve taken as a family, watching movies with you at your San Pedro apartment, using your binoculars with my cousin to look out from the 11th floor and watch the cruise ships depart or watching fireworks, and so much more.

You were born around 1930 in what is now modern-day North Korea, during the Japanese colonization of the peninsula. I can’t imagine the difficulties you’ve had to face in your childhood. You and your family moved south prior to the devastating Korean war that ravaged the entire nation for 2 1/2-3 years. You then had to live under an oppressive authoritarian government that ruled the nation during the late 60s to the 70s. It was around this time you and your wife, along with your 3 daughters, decided to move to the United States. You did not speak English but you helped give an opportunity for your family to live comfortably here in Southern California.

You taught me how to golf at a very young age. The tips and advices you gave me as a kid are engrained in me. I love playing golf nowadays and it is all because you introduced to me to the sport at a young age and you helped me improve my form and skill. You were an incredibly talented, gifted, and intelligent man. We’ve communicated through text over KaKaotalk numerous times. You loved going on your laptop to play Solitaire. Your favorite drink was Sprite and you always drank it when we saw it.

You were a godly man with a great testimony. Using the talents God has gifted you with, you led church choir and music. When my mom was at the hospital this year, you came with grandma and prayed for her. It was a long time since I heard you speak that loud but it was very touching. You’ve read the Bible and copied it by writing numerous times. It was inspirational to see you continue to copy word for word the Bible by pen. It is a tradition that I’d like to continue.

My mom always talked about how great you were as an amazing dad. To be honest, I can already tell that you were an amazing parent based on the countless times you’ve helped my mom and our family.

I’m going to miss how you always greeted me with the warmest smile and a giant hug. Even when you were tired this year, you still stood up to give all of us a hug. Every time we went home, you always stood outside on the balcony watching us leave and making sure we got inside our cars. Those gestures show what a caring and great grandfather you were.

I am truly thankful for Heaven. It may be emotionally difficult to lose a loved one this year but it is not a final goodbye. One day I’ll get to see you again, probably drinking Sprite, playing Solitaire, turning on classical music, or watching The Godfather. I love you grandpa and I miss you. See you later.