Today is our co-worker’s mom’s birthday and I wanted to wish her a very happy birthday. A mother’s birthday is always a special event however this day in particular deserves some special recognition.
It is the sad reality that our co-worker (and friend)’s mom are apart for this day, and even in this time of technological innovation they cannot be connected, even by handwritten mail. This is because one lives in North Korea and the other in South Korea.
When speaking about issues in North Korea one often focuses on nuclear weapons or famine. How often do we think about the families that have been permanently separated due to an ongoing war and oppressive dictator? While we so often conclude that defection from North Korea is the best possible answer for most hunger stricken people, leaving your family, friends and entire life behind is a decision that cannot be reversed. Once you leave, you can never go back. Can you imagine being only a few short hours away from your loved ones with no opportunity for phone, internet or mail communication let alone a face to face meeting? We often take for granted not only the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and the homes we live in, but also the ease with which we can relate to one another. I cannot help but want to cry on this happy day for the sadness both sides of this family must feel. A birthday is meant for celebration, but for too many defectors it is a day for heartbreaking nostalgia.
While many North Korean defectors do appreciate the improved living conditions of South Korea, I know that many, or most, dream for the day when they can live fulfilled in their hometown in North Korea. It is for this reason (among others) that I hope we can keep working hard towards a reunified Korea.
- Dawna
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