Staying Connected From Far Away

After my trip to Korea, staying connected with my biological mother became part of my life, but not in a constant or daily way. We do not talk every day. Our communication is simple and occasional, and it happens through a Korean messaging app. We still rely on translation, and most of what we send each other are emojis. Hearts, smiley faces, little flowers. These small symbols say the things we often can’t put into words. Our conversations may not be long, but they still mean something.

Over time, she has shared pieces of her life when she felt ready. I learned that her husband became very sick and eventually had to get a lung transplant. After the surgery, he could not leave the house for about a year. It was a long, difficult recovery for them both. Even though her messages were short, I could sense the stress she was carrying.

She has also opened up about her past. She once owned a butcher shop in Seoul and lived in the apartment above it. She also ran a bed and breakfast on the beach at one point in her life. Later, she and her husband sold those places and moved to the countryside, where they bought a chicken and beer restaurant. It became their new life together.

I know they talked about selling the restaurant because of my stepfather’s health, but I never ask about it. I do not want them to think I am questioning their finances or judging their situation. Some topics feel too sensitive, and I want her to feel safe and comfortable when she messages me.

Even though we do not talk often, she still reaches out when she can. Sometimes she sends a heart. Sometimes a short greeting. Sometimes an emoji that simply means she is thinking of me. And I send the same back. It may look small from the outside, but for us, these small moments are enough to remind each other that we care.

Our relationship is quiet and gentle. It is built through screens, emojis, translation apps, and moments that show love without many words. Even though we are far apart, this is how we stay connected. It is the relationship we can manage right now, and it means more to me than I ever expected.