The start of a new week usually brings a fresh and rejuvenating energy for me. While I’m not a fan of Monday mornings, it usually kicks off a productive way of handling the rest of the week. Even though I had my usual weekly bumpdate and a weekend recap of our happenings, I’m at an en passe. It doesn’t feel right to post about my conventional bliss of living in this country when I am so weighed down by the current events affecting so many people in life changing ways. Like many of you, my stomach is still in knots and my heart is still broken in pieces. So instead of trying to recreate some sort of coherent message to convey the confusion that is still clouding my mind, I will share with you what I wrote to my friends on Facebook late Saturday night.
Originally written January 28, 2017
I’m a legal resident and green card holder. I have been since my parents immigrated here from Korea in 1990.
My parents left nearly everyone they knew half way across the world, with their meager life savings and moved to a country where they didn’t speak or understand the native language. They worked 12+ hour days, six days a week to give my brother and I the opportunities that they believed could only be achieved here in the great United States of America.
I consider myself American in every sense. I live and breathe the American Dream every day. I work hard every day because my parents’ sacrifice was nothing short of it. I have a supportive, loving husband and 3 healthy, beautiful children. I love our conventional, blessed, happy chaos of a life we live daily in our suburban utopia.
But, I didn’t realize how lucky I was until this weekend.
Today, I’m luckier than I could’ve ever fathomed possible because I’m not from one of the seven Muslim-majority countries. And because I’m Christian.
Because our President tells me that I’m one of the better immigrants who is afforded this grace to not be banned from re-entering our great country should I choose to travel elsewhere.
This is our America today. I am both in shock, disbelief, and utter heartbreak that this is the greatest nation in the world that my youngest son will be born into.
I’m not one to talk about politics or religion, I respect the differences that we’re all privileged enough to have in our first world, democratic nation. But, I urge you to think, think twice about the changes that are happening around us every day.
I will not be silent any more.
If you’re not in shock or disbelief as I am. Please ask yourself this: if Korea was added to the list of countries tomorrow, what would happen to me? And my family? Would you be able to turn a blind eye and tell me that banning me or my parents is worth the “risks we avoid” to keep our nation “safe”?
I don’t at all begin to fathom the feelings and experiences of those directly affected by this ban. I am one of the lucky ones. My intention in sharing this post is to share my story. To those that can turn a blind eye to such events going on in our country today, please know that I nor are these immigrants/refugees any different than you. We are all just trying to love one another, fulfill our American dream, and make a happy life for our families.
Have you heard of blog link ups? Join us for our Mom Life Mondays blog linkup 21!
What is a blog link-up you ask? It’s a regular post that I’ have on Mondays [pending any holidays or life emergencies], but it’s a place you can come to find the latest and greatest blog posts about all things parenting, motherhood, lifestyle, etc.
Featured Blogger from Link Up #20: Lauren @ Working Mom Magic
As a working mom, I get really caught up in my to-dos for work that I fail to connect with my kids during the work week. Lauren’s post, “5 Ways to Reconnect with your Kids Every Day,” was a great reminder for me to be more present during the week. Be sure to give it a read and check out her blog!
If you’re a blogger, please feel free to drop a link to a current motherhood-related blog post. I just ask that you follow the instructions detailed below!
We also have a chat loop on Instagram! Please follow JeeYoung (me!) @simplyeveryblog & Shannon @momwithoutlabels for our weekly #IGMOMSCHAT (usually on Thursday nights @ 9pm EST!)
Have a fabulous week, loves!
HOW TO LINK UP:
- Please subscribe to Simply Every, so you don’t miss a post and a link-up notification!
- Please use the button here (save image) in your blog post. Or copy/paste the script code below and share the link up on your blog!
<!– start InLinkz script –>
<div class=’InLinkzContainer’ id=’693842′>
<a rel=’nofollow’ href=”http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=692388” title=”click to view in an external page.”>An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script type=’text/javascript’ src=’https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js’></script>
<!– end InLinkz script –>
- Don’t forget to post your link below.
- Check out the other fab mom bloggers in the link-up and make new friends!
[inlinkz_linkup id=693842 mode=1]
Jee Young, thank you so much for writing this; it is so important on so many levels. 15 months ago my husband and I moved with our 4 kids to a new country: new language, new culture, trying to build a new support system. It is unbelievably hard and it makes you feel unbelievably vulnerable. It has given me so much for respect for refugees who don’t even have the option of returning home when things are tough. Wishing you a peaceful week.
Thank you so much! I can’t imagine the transition in such a new setting and country. S
Thank you so much for sharing this post!!!
Thank you for reading!
Loved what you wrote on FB and still love it now. I can´t even imagine what this must feel like and was very touched by your words. Know that all over the world we are supporting you and what America really stands for! xo
Your support means so much!
Such a great post! I can’t believe what’s happening in this country either.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
It really is unbelievable.
What an amazing and powerful post! Thank you so much for voicing this.
PS. I love Lauren from a working mom magic so much!
She is the best! Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing. I really appreciate your personal perspective on all these issues.
Thank you!
What is happening to our country is so sad…I hope that for every voice that is heard a change is made.
Although I don’t live in America, I feel so sad for everyone who’s lives will be turned upside down by all of these ridiculous changes. I really hope that this ban can somehow get lifted. It’s a horrible idea! America should be accepting of everyone.
I totally agree mama, it saddens me not everyone feels that way.
Thank you for writing this. I am so saddened by what’s going on in America right now and I struggle every day how to explain it to my seven year old daughter. For the first time in my life, I am fearful of the future for my children. I don’t usually blog about political stuff, but I just can’t stay silent any longer. I will continue to stand up for what I believe is right and show my children that our freedoms are worth fighting for.
I am in the same boat, Jen. I can’t be silent any more. I have to use this platform when I am compelled to share my story.
This is my favorite post of the week, every week! I love it!
You’re the best!