We had a gathering of family and friends at the Bay Area, and it was wonderful in many ways: many many/ much much thanks and appreciations.

There were many stories from many different places and many unique times.

If someone had time, talent, and sharp eye, that someone could have written an epic novel about our time. That someone, also, should have not just the intellect to comprehend the many layers but big enough heart to contain the many narratives.

This conversation started at the table with The family getting ready for the party.

“Emma, what do you do, exactly, at your work?”

“Administrative.”

“Oh, you’re an organization person, and not a lone wolf.”

“No, are you?”

“Well, I guess I’m a lone wolf.”

Then, my nearly four years old Ramona said “No, you’re not a lone wolf; you’re in our family.”

My brother Ken and Hewon — Emma’s parents — said “Did you hear what she just said?”

I had to elaborate “A person has many dimensions: in one dimension, I’m a lone wolf but, in another dimension, I’m in the family, and I have many other dimensions.”

Emma, “it is much easier to be a lone wolf than an organization person.”

I agreed wholeheartedly, “Absolutely agreed.”

There were accumulated wisdom at the table, and the ensuing conversation was beautiful. Everybody agreed that working with people and agreeing on a common goal and achieving that goal are so hard.

Understanding each other with empathetic heart is so important, yet so difficult. Much easier said than done. But done we must. Look around the world, Democracy is not easy.

This is just one of the scenes we had at the Bay Area get-together. Life can be wonderful. Just make sure to knock on wood.

글로벌웹진 NEWSROH 칼럼 ‘이명동의 세계인 한국인’

http://newsroh.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=cleemdong