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Chapter 6: The Beautiful Rose Speaks – March 23, 2023

“Jimin!  Jimin!”  Jumi came running into their bedroom one evening in late March.  “I got the job!  As soon as I graduate in June, the school I worked at briefly with Miss Choi – er, Minha – wants to hire me as a musical therapist!”

She catapulted into Jimin’s arms.  He started laughing as he caught her.  But she’d careened into him so hard that, though he fought valiantly to stay on his feet, he went flying backwards onto their bed.  As he lay under her, he began to guffaw. 

“Jumi!” he gasped, trying to catch his breath.  “I’m so happy for you.”

“The best thing that ever happened to me was that job!” 

“The best thing that ever happened to you was that job?” Jimin echoed, suddenly crushed.

Jumi glanced down at his crestfallen face.  “No.  Jimin!  I meant the best thing in my professional life!  Because I changed my major that spring to Music Therapy.  And now I’m going to get the chance to help so many hurting kids.  Honestly, it’s helped me so much too. 

“But you, Jimin, are the very best thing that ever happened to me.  And you helped me to walk through the trauma I experienced with my appa.  But music has helped me too.  And I’ve learned that healing is a process. 

“How many times have I had a sudden flashback to a moment with Appa that I had forgotten?  Something I buried so deep down inside me that I hoped it would never surface again?  But then suddenly something triggers that memory…and I’m a mess again. 

“You’ve been so sweet to me.  Letting me talk about those memories.   And pointing out what my appa did or said that was wrong…that wounded me.  You’ve worked with me to cut off those traumas.  Still, there’s something about music that always helps me in those moments too.  And I’ve seen it work with these kids.  They come alive when I play the piano, Jimin.  Even the most closed-off of the children.  They respond.  If not to me, then to my music.”

Jimin smiled up at her.  “I’m glad, Jumi.  I’m glad you’ve found something that helps not just you but other hurting kids too.”

She nodded.  “You taught me too how important words are.  I always knew that, I think.  I knew how destructive my appa’s words were.  But you’ve showed me the power of good words.  Of kind words. That’s why I write songs that bring life to people.  And hope.  Love, joy, peace.  All the things I wish I’d grown up with.  I release those things through the lyrics in my songs.  And those words change things.”

Jimin understood. Words had always affected him too.  He had become particularly sensitive to them during his middle school years when he was bullied mercilessly by the other boys for his love of music and dance.  He had hated school for a while.  Until he’d met Tae.  Tae had come to his rescue, defending him against the other boys. 

That was when Jimin had learned the power of positive words.  Words of protection.  Words of love.  Words of support.  Words that created a bulwark around a hurting person to defend him against the angry arrows of other people’s spite and hate.  Tae had used his tongue to sharpen a different kind of sword.  One that comforted.   One that cut off the cancer of other people’s damaging words.  And built up Jimin’s sagging spirit.  Tae’s words had strengthened Jimin’s forlorn soul.  And encouraged him to keep pursuing his dreams.

Now Jimin sought to pass that same grace on to his wife. She was, in turn, wielding that sword to help a bunch of children grow up knowing their own value.  That they were precious souls created to be loved.  Not scorned because they struggled in some area of life. 

“Jumi, I couldn’t be prouder of you than I am right now,” Jimin whispered as he stared up into her eyes.

Jumi gazed down into his beautiful eyes.  The ones that had captured her at first glance.  And her heart expanded with affection for this wonderful man. 

“I love you, Jimin.  Now and forever.”

“Not half as much as I love you, Jumi.  My beautiful gem.”

“Don’t forget I’m your beautiful rose too.”

“Never, Jumi.  I could never forget the beautiful rose who bloomed in the midst of a barren garden.  You kept fighting.  You refused to give up.  You persisted in being beautiful under the onslaught of life’s storms.  You are so beautiful to me, Jumi.  And you always will be.”

He kissed her tenderly, exposing all the love in his heart to her lips.