I have a vivid memory of walking down the hallway Freshman year at Sanderson High School and calling out HeeJun’s name. He was “dating” my beautiful friend Elizabeth and she was introducing him into our clique. I said his name wrong and silly. Thankfully, he forgave me.
HeeJun and I started dating sophomore year in high school. He fought it for a while, but when I decide I want something, I get it. He made me promise not to tell anyone when we first kissed. Of course, I told all my friends. Our second kiss was under the light post in front of my parents’ house. After that, we both knew, this was it.
He went to UNC-Charlotte and I was 4 hours away at ECU. His freshman year in college he met some great guys who introduced him to Campus Outreach. Both of our lives changed dramatically from there.
HeeJun wrote in his journal that he did not want to be a hypocrit. He was adament that if he was going to seek God and have a relationship with Jesus Christ, that he would do it whole heartedly and with full conviction. He became a believer at a Christmas Conference his freshman year in college. He wrote in his journals of his deep and passionate hope and trust he had in Christ. He wanted to share that hope and love with his family and with me.
I have another vivid memeory of standing on the balcony of a hotel in Atlanta at a Christmas Conference with HeeJun and realizing this is what I want; a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. HeeJun looked at me and asked me something about if I believed. We just sat down while everyone else is cheering and welcoming the new year and prayed together. Peace.
On May 3rd, 2003 we married. Best day of my life. We only had 5 years together as a married couple. We fought and yelled, but we loved each other deeply. Our time together was not enough.
Erica, What an amazing story. My heart melted when I got to the part about you and HeeJun praying together….Peace is a great word to describe that moment. You have been on my mind constantly since I found out. I am praying.