|
|
The first day we joined Kouksundo, we were nervously shuffling around the studio and over walks the happy, leathery-worn, old face of Mr. Kim. He spoke remarkable English, in his gruff, whispering voice. Almost immediately he asked us if he could take us out to lunch. During lunch, we asked about his life and he told us, without a trace of arrogance, that he'd received his PhD from the University of Hawaii, had been the president of a University here in Korea, and had written and taught Economics courses at varied universities. Mostly he was proud of his children and grandchildren. He always lit up when Little One, Sa Pa Nim's toddler, came into the room. He made reservations and took us out to lunch at THE exclusive vegetarian restaurant. He was on very good terms with the owner and had arranged special tables and even a special fruit drink after our meal, all because he said (jokingly) that he was a Big Shot there at that restaurant. No sooner had he finished his dry laugh about calling himself a Big Shot than he called over the owner of the restaurant and rattled off a few minutes of demands in quick Korean. She understood, smiled, bowed, and left. Mr. Kim looked directly to me with his big smile and said, Now you're a Big Shot,too! He was very patient with me as I practiced my massage on his old, yet firm back and stiff neck. As I mobilized his knee, he half-jokingly shouted, "Don't break my leg!" He hadn't been coming to Kouksundo for about three weeks and Celeste and I began to worry. We figured that he'd been teaching at the university and didn't have the time to spend his mornings in the studio. But we weren't prepared for Jinsoon's news telling us that he wouldn't be back. Apparently he'd been diagnosed with serious liver problems more than a year earlier. It was then that he began Kouksondo, and began to eat Pourin- Nuri-like, vegetarian. Like Celeste said, we're just traveling through. People aren't supposed to die on our small shift here. Mr. Kim (Sung Saing Nim, "teacher," as he was respectfully called by all) was so dear to us. I was just beginning to accurately imitate his voice (you should hear my Kitty Norris). We had an amazing discussion with him over tea on the studio floor after class about the value of cuisine to a culture (I intellectually and literally salivate over this topic) as well as the recycling of life as we eat what comes from our own earth. I won't forget his big square hands and bright, wide smile. We'll miss you, Big Shot. We'll Miss You, Big Shot.--Scottro [2003-05-21]
Navigation newest letter | older letters
Last five letters Gathering [2009-09-04] ?2002, Scott & Celeste. |