My grandmother, someone I call Halmoni (the Korean word for grandmother), was born in Korea in 1941. The Japanese occupation of Korea finally ended and Korea was somewhat at peace. Halmoni had fond memories of growing up and always remembered seeing gold bars stored away in her house. She was born in one of the wealthiest families in Korea. For her early childhood, it was a memorable and enjoyable experience. That was until 1950, the start of the Korean War. She was only 9 at the time and had to flee with her family, leaving everything she knew and loved behind. Her way of coping with her emotions and trauma, seeing dead bodies and people dying, was to pray to God. She would pray everyday. That is what would keep her going and that was how she survived. It was very difficult to immigrate to the United States at that time from Korea. Halmoni’s closest sister was the first to come to the United States in 1960. Once Halmoni's sister got married and made a life for herself in the United States, she helped Halmoni immigrate. Halmoni came to Chicago to stay with her sister and brother-in-law in the years 1965/66. She came as a student to study at seminary school. She wanted a better life in America. This is where she met Harabuji, my grandfather. I am so grateful for Halmoni, her resistance to the things bringing her down, coming out stronger than ever. Halmoni didn’t take a lot from her home. One thing she did bring was an image of her Dad, a way to never forget the people that mattered most to her. 
 

– Oliver Jacoby

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant