June 19th to June 22nd, 2013

June 19th: We are starting to get serious about what we need to take to S Korea when we travel to visit Aaron and Jeong Mi. We just got off the phone with Aaron and we discussed their new bar (Liquor Burger 2) and how Jeong Mi's mom is doing.  Health-wise she is not doing well at all and we continue to hold her up in our thoughts and prayers. She has many prayer warriors praying for her and her family. We are so thankful that we have been to S Korea two times (check out our Korea 2010 and Korea 2011 blogs), and have wonderful memories of our times together.

Jeong Mi's dad, mom, Jeong Mi, Aaron, Edie, Kelly
enjoying a special meal together during  Korean 2010 Adventure.

Jeong Mi, Edie, and Seol-Lae (prior to Aaron and Jeong Mi's wedding, June 26, 2011.)

Aaron and his mother-in-law have a special relationship. He can always make her laugh and she truly loves him.  I love the way she says his name!  Just priceless!

Jeong Mi's mom, Seol-Lae, was enjoying her piggy back ride from the groom after their wedding ceremony!

Kelly and I are so blessed that Aaron's Korean family has accepted him into their lives and their home!
Aaron indicated that he will give us a list of items he would like to have and we will have a few days to get pulled together all that we need.  Just working and trying to make sure that we do not forget to do something is crazy... we should be making lists!!

6/21/13:  We have accomplished much in 3 days.  We purchased items on Aaron's list and got much done in the house before we leave. We think Nipsy knows that we are leaving her and she will not be happy... hummm, what can we bring her back from S Korea to make her happy?!! We have spoken with Jeremiah and Melissa and we will email/text all our children when we get to our first stop!

6/22/13:  It is with sadness that we share that our son's mother-in-law passed away (his time early Sunday morning),  after suffering for 3 months with Pancreatic cancer. She was only  62 years young.  Jeong Mi's family opened their home and their hearts to our Aaron Bruckart who was living so far from home. We were content that he had a wonderful mom in S Korea who loved him  and enjoyed him so much. We shared with Aaron that he has wonderful videos that he took of her teaching him how to make kimchi and other Korean foods. Kelly's and my hearts are heavy with grief and sadness and our trip to S Korea tomorrow will not be the same without Jeong Mi Park's mom.. we continue to hold them all up in our thoughts and prayers. Her funeral home visit will be their Sunday and Monday. We get into S Korea (if all goes according to plan) after 2:30 Monday afternoon. We hope to be able to visit with the family and say our goodbyes to Seol-Lae then.

Well it is now 10:13 pm and after a wonderful afternoon of visiting friends at a grad party, we are packed and ready to go.. we spoke with Aaron and he was at the funeral home; they have a "wake" of sorts.. two and a half days where they provide food and drink in the funeral home (they have a room reserved) they greet friends and family. Her funeral will be Tuesday afternoon.  We hope to get a couple hours of rest, then we will start our journey to the Pittsburgh airport. Next stop will be San Francisco Airport!

Suitcases packed and ready to go!