77stories.ca

77stories.ca77stories.ca77stories.ca

77stories.ca

77stories.ca77stories.ca77stories.ca
  • Home
  • 2026
    • Spring ‘26
    • Summer ‘26
    • Fall ‘26
    • Winter ‘26-27
  • More
    • Home
    • 2026
      • Spring ‘26
      • Summer ‘26
      • Fall ‘26
      • Winter ‘26-27
  • Home
  • 2026
    • Spring ‘26
    • Summer ‘26
    • Fall ‘26
    • Winter ‘26-27
A formal black-and-white family portrait with adults and children in traditional and school attire.

My Footsteps - The Story of Ahduk Kim (Translated by Jin Yang Chung)

Early Life


I was the first child born to the Kim family on April 9, 1914. My father, K. Kim, and mother, Y. Cha, lived at 286 Dae Dong Gun, Jae Kyung Ree, Pyung-Nam Province, North Korea. There were grandparents, five aunts, and seven siblings: brothers (Chansoo, Hyunsoo, Youngsoo), sisters (Shinduk, Soonduk, Induk), and myself, Ahduk.


My mother was a warm-hearted wife and a wise mother (현모양처). My father was a different person who had no religion but a temper when he was drunk. We were afraid of him all the time. He didn’t believe in girls’ education or social life. We weren’t allowed to go to school or to church. As a farmer, he liked me because of my good hands on the farm. I wet my pillow with tears many nights asking God to show me the way to study.


When I was fifteen, one of my uncles, Mr. Jang, came to visit us. He was a missionary of his church in Jun-Joo, South Korea. He said it was possible for me to continue education in the South. I decided to leave home saying ‘goodbye’ to my mother only. She came to the Soonan train station with me and said in tears, “I am so sorry for not being able to educate you here and have to send you far away from home.” She and I cried hand in hand when I was ready to board the Ho-Nam train. I couldn’t stop the tears when the train was slipping away from the platform.


Learning Opportunity


It was a totally different atmosphere in the South, especially with the accent. I began my new steps in Hanyejong Bible School in Wansan Jung. It was a three-year course but I finished in two years. I went to Gwangjoo and finished an elementary program at Reil School. Then I graduated from Gijeun girls’ high school in three years. I had to support myself all this time by working at a missionary residence. I wanted to continue learning something so that I could help others and contribute to society. I had two choices in mind: one was theology and the other was nursing. I decided to put in my application for a midwifery course at Severance Hospital in Seoul. I passed the exams in March 1937.


Severance Hospital


The three years of training at the hospital was the most valuable and precious time to set my goal for the future. During the second and the third years, I tried my best to make good relations in class and in the dormitory as a student representative. When the patients or their families gave us some goodies or presents in appreciation, I sent them to the ward where the poor people were admitted. It made me feel rewarded and happy. We studied in Japanese because Korea was still under Japanese colonialism. I received my nursing cap from Miss Shields at the graduation ceremony. She was a missionary nurse who was the head of the nursing department.  She began her nursing education in 1906 with Miss Lawrence and Miss Sherocks.


While I was working in the hospital, I met Dae Sung, my future husband, through S. Han. She was the wife of my high school teacher, D. Shin.


Engagement


Dae Sung, my future husband, had a tailor shop in Ah Hyun Jung. He was a widower who had lost his wife to tuberculosis at Severance Hospital. I thought seriously about getting married or not because of my ambitions and plans for the future. My uncle persuaded me to make a decision. It was almost the end of the third year, and we were engaged and had a ceremony by Rev. Yu’s officiation. I said I would wait at least a year until after my graduation for the wedding.


A while after, I began to work at the pediatric ward. There was a chance for us to visit my aunt in Harbin, Manchuria. It was a good chance for my fiance to persuade me to have the wedding sooner. It was early April and I needed a coat. We booked the Russian train Ajia on which Chinese were not allowed to board, and the reservation had to be made a week before. Mr. Whang reserved our seats and paid for my ticket, too. On the train, I enjoyed Bohemian folk songs by Russians so much. I bought the records to listen to after the trip. I could see the Russians’ leisure life, drinking tea with live music all night. Barbecued beef on a stick was really something. My aunt welcomed my visit to Harbin. I had a beautiful dream of my future.


Marriage


My uncle opposed my plan of waiting for a year for the wedding. He said it would be better to send a resignation letter by mail and have the wedding ceremony in Harbin. But my fiancé Dae Sung also wanted it where his family and friends were. We returned home with the wedding date as April 22, 1940 in mind. I was 27 and he was 37.


My uncle was my hero for a long time. He was influential and a diligent servant of God. He sang very well too, but after some time he was tempted by an evil spirit and walked his own way. He and my father were always in my prayers.


Dae Sung arranged the wedding ceremony in Seoul. Rev. D.W. Lee from Jung Dong Methodist Church officiated it. The reception was held at his family home in Ahyun Jung. Only my mother attended from my side. There were parents-in-law, two sisters-in-law and Dae Sung’s three daughters. The youngest daughter died from tuberculosis by an infection from her mother, I believe. My in-laws lived in Ahyun Jung and we lived at 27 N. Ahyun Jung. Dae Sung was very happy having me in his own house with his two daughters, Heysook and Insook. I thought I had everything as a new bride.


The First Son


When my first son, Won Sup (later called Dennis), was born at Ewha University Hospital the next year, not only my family but our relatives and neighbors were very happy. My loving mother was so excited to hear the news that I delivered a son. She travelled a long way with nourishing foods for me such as chicken and rice cake. Where could I find such loving kindness!


My eldest brother, Chan Soo, married but he died without leaving any children. He died on Christmas while the visitors sang hymns around him. How sad it was for my mother! I prayed for him to rest in the arms of our good Lord.


While we were in a happy mood, I was concerned about my husband’s health. He had a fever and cough. It was tuberculosis. From then on, I became his private nurse with the knowledge that I had learned at nursing school.


There was the Greater East-Asian War which made our life very unstable and worrisome. Our country adopted a food ration system, and we had air defense training often. It was a big challenge for me to live under such social and financial strains.


The Second Son and Life on the Farm


My second son, In Sup, was born at Severance Hospital on January 14th, 1943. I gave thanks to my Lord for the healthy baby and myself.


Our lives were getting more chaotic due to the ongoing war, so we decided to move from Seoul. We planned to sell our house and buy a piece of farmland in Neung Gok, Kyunggi Province big enough to build a place to live. With no experience in construction, the house was built bigger than the original plan.  My husband was getting tired physically and emotionally. We didn’t get a good price for the house in Seoul, so we had to move for a new beginning. On the land, we grew a few hundred peach and plum trees, watermelons, zucchinis, potatoes, sweet potatoes, red beans, and other produce, but no rice, which was our main food. I got some rice by exchanging some of my belongings such as the fabrics.


Even in such a difficult time financially and politically, I played the organ and praised the Lord by singing hymns with others in the evening. The organ was a wedding gift from my husband.

Liberation Day (August 15, 1945)


The patriotic movement began on March 1st, 1919. I was five years old. Many patriots had been put in jail and to death while fighting against the Japanese overruling government.


While I was pulling the roots of the corn in the farm, there was a loud siren. According to the morning news, the Russian airplanes and Japanese planes fought in the air above the Gimpo airport. Three Japanese planes were in flames and fell onto the ground by attack from the Russian planes.


On August 15, 1945, we were finally liberated. Pastor Y. J. Kim told us quietly that he listened to the special news at noon which stated that the Japanese Emperor surrendered in a trembling voice.


Everywhere in the city there was our national flag, Tae Geuk Gi (태극기), which had been hidden for longer than three decades. There were happy and loud voices, “Hurray Korea!” (대한독립만세) everywhere in the city. What a moving moment it was!


All those souls of patriots must be comforted in heaven. Their efforts to save our country were not in vain. Our Lord liberated us with their sacrifices. We sang our national anthem (애국가) loudly in tears.


In spite of joy and happiness, Dae Sung was exhausted. His illness was getting worse. We came back to Hoo Am Dong, Seoul to be close to the hospital. We had neither money nor medicine. I was tired, being seven-months pregnant with my third child. I visited Dr. Yang who was the chief of internal medicine at Severance Hospital. I explained our situation and asked for help. He thankfully performed the pleural puncture and gave me some medicine for free. I got some charcoal from a friend on the way home and made our room warm for my husband. I treated his puncture wound carefully. It was all that I could do for him.  When he improved a little, we moved back to the Neunggok house to rest. I made chicken soup for him. 


The Third Son 


February 21, 1946, I delivered our third son, Wha Sup, with the help of my husband, Dae Sung. In the fall, my husband and I moved to 135 Hoo Am Dong, Seoul, with the baby. The rest of the family stayed in Neung Gok.


My First Job


I got a position in the city hall of Seoul. Y. M. Kim was the Mayor. The city hall was controlled by the US army. I worked at the nursing department for public health.  Every province’s nursing departments were being established. American councils had been set up in them. They gave us rations and I had opportunities to get rides in a jeep.


Dae Sung tried to do some business but failed again. We had our fourth child, a daughter.


On August 15, 1948, Korea was recognized as an independent country. While I was a civil servant, I had a daughter, Won Sook, on August 14, 1948. She was the “girl of independence of Korea”. I thanked the Lord for giving me a daughter after three boys. I did postpartum care by myself at Hoo Am Dong house. It was a very hot summer. Having a hot meal after delivery was not enjoyable.


One month after the baby was born, I went back to work. The salary was not enough at all. I sold the Neung Gok house to the YMCA, for cheaper than the market price. I decided to do midwifery as a second job for extra income. Even though I didn’t have enough experience, I had opportunities to help deliveries at patients’ homes. Prayer was my only and everything to perform the safe delivery for two lives. I always thanked God for His care and protection.


The Korean War


It was Sunday, June 25, 1950, there was a military attack from North Korea. I went to work on Monday and saw the troops coming into Seoul instead of going to the frontlines. At work, I performed the orders to organize all the important papers and books bundled together. The following day I couldn’t go back to work. The soldiers and Seoul citizens were moving towards the South. I could hear the guns shooting in the distance. In the rain, countless refugees were walking with some of their belongings in hand with children on their backs.


Around one o’clock early in the morning, there was a sound like an explosion. The bridge over the Han River was bombed. In the morning there were no police or officers in their places. It was a really empty city! In a little while, the North Korean soldiers were marching in with red flags in their hands. In the evening, I was passing the South Gate and City Hall to see my friend, Sohong, when I saw some police officers and soldiers being dragged, tied with rope. There were bodies in the streets here and there. Seoul was occupied by the North Korean People’s Army very quickly.


I didn’t have enough food ready in advance due to poor finances. There was no rice at all in the market, anyway. I bought some barley and wheat instead. It was serious. We were supposed to get rations but they were never given. We were scared of the bombing, so we decided to move back to Neung Gok. My mother-in-law was immobile with a stroke, so we decided that half of the family should stay with her in Seoul.


I packed some clothes and necessities in my luggage to take with us. Books, clothes, dishes, and a sewing machine were put in containers and we hid them under the floor. All you could see in the house were some traditional futons, the organ, and an empty desk. Day after day, we were concerned about our meals, the bombing, and insecurity.


We were on our way to Neung Gok with the luggage in a cart. We were stopped by a North Korean soldier. He wanted to see what we were carrying. I showed him my midwife certificate and the work baggage. Thankfully, we could pass at that moment. When we almost arrived at Neung Gok, we had another stop by a man who had no mercy. At that moment God sent us an angel, brother Lee (이보라), who had been working for the opposite side. With his help we were able to pass. Later, we heard he was put in jail for a few years. My separated family lived in danger day by day.


For three months under the communists, it was really chaotic and unfair. I didn’t like to give up my life under the communist government. I wanted to remain a patriotic citizen. About three months passed, and the weather was nice and cool, but it didn’t give us any hope or comfort. All we wanted to know was where our troops were, and when they could recover Seoul.


9.28 The Second Battle of Seoul (September 28, 1950)


There was news that the UN marines would arrive in Incheon Harbor under the leadership of General McArther on September 15. The South Korean marines arrived first. How happy to see them come! There was a serious battle until September 28th. The citizens welcomed them with the national flags in their hands, but the marines had no expressions on their faces. There were many bodies on the destroyed streets.


Our separated family prayed for each other seriously. Windows were broken by the bomb shells. A bullet came through and set the fire to the futon that we were underneath. At that moment, another bullet hit the vase on the chest and spilled water over the futon. It extinguished the flame. The pieces of the shells came through and stuck on the walls. In such danger, my God protected us miraculously.


Bombing and flames here and there, and I didn’t know how or where to escape or what to bring with me! I had Won Sook, my two-year-old baby girl, on my back with a blanket. I went outside with some kitchen tools in my hands. There was nothing that belonged to me at that moment.


After a serious battle for two weeks, we found ourselves safe and free. The family in Neung Gok thought we had all perished in a fire. During this time, I had to hide our bibles and hymn books under the floor and couldn’t go to church. Our troops took over Seoul, the capital city, on September 28, 1950. What a victorious moment! The enemy was gone, but the city remained  with burnt buildings and bodies on the roads. I took a deep breath.


The next day, I went to City Hall to see how the situation was. I found none of the papers and books that I bundled before I left but a pile of bamboo spears in the basement. I was very happy to see the employees walking in one by one. I hoped for a peaceful winter to come and made delicious kimchi (김장) to preserve for the winter.


1.4 Retreat (January 4, 1951)


It was not a long period to enjoy freedom under our government. The people’s army came over the 38th parallel again that winter. How could we escape! No money, no car! Impossible to walk! It had been three years since my mother-in-law became immobile after a stroke. Every household was on their way towards the south to survive. By car, by train, even on top of the train, they were moving down. We had to leave Seoul for our young children. How could we manage?


Thankfully, we were offered a train ride by Dae Sung’s brother-in-law, S. H. Nam, who was one of the parliament members. We had to walk to Yong San Station carrying some blankets, clothes, and the baby on my back. On December 22, the roads were slippery after freezing rain. I cannot forget that my brother-in-law, K. J. Cho, gave us a helping hand. The train ride was provided for the families of the parliament members. There was an overflow of people and luggage. People were pushed in through the windows. At home, my second step-daughter, In Sook, stayed to look after her grandmother. I left some rice with them, saying, “Be safe, we won’t be long!”


Life in Busan as Refugees


The packed train arrived in Busan Station. There was no one to welcome us with our four children. At dusk, I set a fire on the roadside and cooked rice in a pot. After we had eaten, I noticed that we were right beside the public washroom. Fortunately, Dae Sung’s second brother-in-law, G. H. Nam, offered us a room in his house. We shared the room with another family. My boys tried to sell cigarettes and doughnuts as street peddlers but couldn’t continue because of the thieves and pick pockets.


The government gave rations of rice to the families of city employees, but never enough. I found a job at the Geu Je Ri concentration camp. There were quite a few doctors and nurses from Seoul. We looked after the wounded soldiers from the North. Though they were the communist enemies, each one of them is a precious being in God’s eyes. This is the spirit of the Red Cross by the Geneva Convention of 1864. There were enough food and necessities in the camp because it was run by the American Army. I was sorry for our wounded soldiers on the other side.


In the meantime, Dae Sung was employed at CWS (Christian World Service). With his income, we were able to move to a house in Su Jeong Dong and I could manage without my job. My first son, Won Sup, had grade 4 at Sam Gwang elementary school in Hu Am Dong. He continued grade 5 and 6 in Busan and entered Bae Jae Middle School. The second son, In Sup, studied at an elementary school that was provided for refugee children.


During the war, my mother-in-law died. I was very sorry for her. In Sook, who was looking after her grandma, moved away from Seoul with another family. “I am very sorry, mother! We couldn’t take care of you.”


Return to Seoul


About a year later, I returned to Seoul by myself with a temporary pass to cross the Han River. I had a room in the city hospital, temporarily. While I was there, my friend Sung Ok Lee delivered a son with my help. We were really happy.


A few months later, my family returned and lived in the CWS (Christian World Service) residence in Jang Choon Dong. The next year, we moved into a better residence in Myung Dong where the CWS office was located. But it was not comfortable to depend on donated items from foreign countries. Dae Sung always liked social and romantic life. He had no idea of savings but was favorable to others, especially music lovers.


Won Sook, my only girl, enjoyed kindergarten then. Won Sup attended Bae Jae High School. In Sup began his first year at Seoul Middle School. In the meantime, I sold my house and bought a piece of property for the future. One day, my brother who was in the concentration camp was released and we had a happy reunion. He turned himself into democratic citizen. We began a bookstore together for a couple of years, but it was not successful. After much hardship we decided to close it.


Dae Sung wanted to do something different. He invested the money from the bookstore for a plan to establish a college with a US foundation by Professor H. S. Yoon. A few months later, he was going to give up our house title, too. It was stopped by Mr. S. C. Yoo, who was a good friend and the head of the pharmacy department of the hospital. The house remained but all the money Dae Sung invested was gone. He again wanted to do design work on porcelain. He bought a piece of land and set up a tent for the business. The coworker disappeared after some time without notice. My savings vanished again.


After repeated failures in business, my husband’s health was getting worse. I needed money for the children’s education. Again, I moved to a humble place and took out a loan. Two years later, I sold my house again and moved to Sang Do Dong. In the meantime, Won Sup finished his military duty and graduated from Sung Gyun Gwan university with a BA degree in political science. He had his first job at the Korean Travel Bureau under the International Tourism Organization. He began to work at the Dae Goo office and six months later at the main office in Seoul.


In Sup finished his military duty in the air force and advanced to the University of Foreign Language for his Spanish course and finished. Wha Sup entered Jung Ang University in measuring statistics. Always short financially for their education, I was going to sell my house again. One of my friends, H. J. Lee, suggested applying for the position at Kaejong Nursing School as the principal. I prayed: “Dear Father, lead me your way. What am I going to do with no academic degree or related experience?!” I made a big decision to step out towards nursing education and moved to Kaejong on March 15, 1966. When I arrived at Yi Ri station, two staff, C. J. Byun and G. B. Lee, welcomed me. I was able to carry on my new job by the grace of God.


Won Sup left for the United States for further education. With the money that I received from City Hall when I left after 20 years of service, I paid back the debts and gave some to Won Sup for his travels. That year, Won Sook entered Yonsei University for music and composition.


In the meantime, Dae Sung was suffering from colitis for six years and had severe anemia due to bleeding. Neither vitamins nor other medicines were helpful. One day, Y. H. Cho, a staff member of Kaejong Nursing School, brought a jar of honey from Geum San for my husband. It cured his colitis miraculously. How thankful I was!


After Won Sup finished his studies in political science with an MA from the University of New Hampshire, he got married to Jin Yang who was an RN (Registered Nurse) in Vancouver, Canada, on August 30th, 1969. Two years later their first son, Eugene, was born on the 4th of September.


Won Sook graduated from Yonsei University in February 1971. In Sup married Soo Ja in April 1971. Wha Sup, after his military duty, graduated from Joong Ang University on January 25th, 1972. I could not attend his graduation ceremony because of the board of director’s meeting at the Korean Nurses Association. In Sup and his wife moved to their own place on March 30th, 1972 and had a first son on May 1st the same year.


Won Sook left for Canada on April 14th to join her big brother’s family. I missed her very much but was thankful she was in such a good environment compared to the situation in Korea then. Though Wha Sup graduated, it was not easy for him to find a decent job. He had some problems with his lungs after military service but was cured with proper medication after three years. He had a beautiful girlfriend and was to get engaged on April 18th, 1973.


October 1st, 1972, my loving daughter-in-law, Jin Yang, brought our first grandson, Eugene, to visit us from Vancouver for a month. A few months later, the second grandson, Charles, was born on 29th of December. I prayed for God’s blessing on them. 


One day, I had a symptom in my uterus and had surgery during the summer vacation. I recovered without any complications. How thankful I was to the Kaejong Hospital staff who took care of me so well! Thanks be to the Lord!


October 13, 1973, Dae Sung had his 70th birthday celebration in Seoul. We were so happy to get together with family and friends on this special day. A week after, Wha Sup married Young Mee at Jung Dong Methodist Church. Reverend Y. S. Han held the wedding ceremony.


I thanked the Lord for the provision of a handsome man for my daughter, Won Sook, far away from home. On November 30th, 1973, her engagement ceremony was held with the family of both sides at a hotel restaurant in downtown Vancouver. Her wedding was held by Rev. Van at the Korean United Church on December 22nd. I was sorry for not being with her at this special moment. I prayed for God’s blessing on this new couple in a foreign country. I appreciated my son and daughter-in-law for their efforts to make this special event happy.


Won Sup finished his courses for accounting with much effort and received his certificate of CA (Chartered Account) on January 12, 1974. May God bless him and his family!


I was happy to have another grandson, Kyu Chul, born to In Sup’s family on January 26, 1974. It was the year of the tiger (갑인년), 60 years after me. I prayed for this little one to be in God’s care.


Special Birthday (환갑)


Time passed swiftly. I was excited to see all my loved ones on my 60th birthday. It was not to celebrate a long life but to give thanks for the grace of God who had been with me whenever I was in hardship. The party was held at the YMCA auditorium on April 9th, 1974. About 250 guests attended and celebrated this special occasion. I was especially happy to see my first son, Won Sup, from Canada after eight years.


‘Clouds always follow the sunshine!’ There was a movement to stop my position at school. Dr. Y. C. Lee informed me that I had not controlled the students in the dormitory properly. I could not understand or accept their ideas. Unlike my usual self, I strongly protested against their plans. I felt sorry for myself but was victorious at the end. I thanked God again for his guidance and protection.


For my birthday party, Dr. Lee, Rev. T. W. Chang, three other staff, and two student representatives attended from school and the hospital. They gave me a precious gold ring as a symbol of reconciliation.


Won Sup stayed for a month with us. In October, his wife, Jin Yang, brought their second son, Charles, from Vancouver. It was another happy reunion.


Wha Sup left for Vancouver in June the same year. His wife, Young Mee, stayed with my husband and prepared to go to Vancouver. She bought the plane ticket with the money her husband sent and left on November 21st. I missed her very much but was happy for her to be with her husband. I traveled back and forth to see my husband in Seoul. Kyung Hee, one of my nieces, stayed at home to help him.


Dae Sung’s brother-in-law, S. H. Nam, died that year which made me very sad. Without his help we could not have escaped from Seoul during the war. He will be remembered as a very helpful and understanding man, always.


Retirement


I intended to leave Kaejong after the graduation ceremony in January the following year, though the staff wanted me to stay longer. During the last nine years, Kaejong had improved a lot. Besides the hospital, they set up the public health center, Gordon S. Seagrave Memorial Hospital, nursery, dormitory, convention hall, and building for nursing school. May God bless them all.


In March 1974, our school was recognized as a college by the ministry of education. I was reappointed as the principal of the nursing college. In February the next year, three teachers would receive degrees from the graduate school. I had no regrets about leaving after raising competent people. I wished continued blessing on them and the school even after I left. (Written on December 29, 1974)


Graduation Ceremony


The first part of the 22nd graduation ceremony was opened by pastor Jang’s congratulatory service at 1pm, January 17, 1975. For the second part, we all sang the national anthem together, and seventy-four students received the Certificate of Graduation. The next day, the entrance examination for 1975 proceeded. The capacity was eighty, but three and a half times more took the exam. On January 29th, the successful applicants were announced.


Nine years of my career was over. The inauguration ceremony was held at 11am, February 8, 1975. I was so grateful to the staff, alumni, students, and more. I returned home safely. On February 10th, I attended my home church and gave an offering of thanksgiving.


Family Visit in Canada


After completing all my missions, I was very excited to go and see my family in Vancouver. Fortunately, my retirement allowance was good enough for the trip without burdening any children financially. On April 30, 1975, my husband and I stepped on JAL to travel to Vancouver. After a long flight, we arrived at the Vancouver airport where my family and friends welcomed us.


The weather was so good, and flowers were blooming in the gardens beautifully. I was so glad to breathe fresh air. During our six-month stay, Won Sup drove us around western America and Canada. We visited the scenic spots in Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada for 10 days. Later, we visited the Canadian Rockies and Banff for four days. I praised God’s magnificent and beautiful workmanship.


While visiting, I was happy to have a reunion with a few of my old friends from Korea. Won Sook had a son, Victor, on June 4th, and my daughter-in-law, Young Mi, had a girl, Maggie, on Sept. 18th.  So thankful to God for these lovely families.


Return Home


October 27th, we were on the flight home. While it was too quiet and lonesome at home by ourselves. In Sup’s family moved in with us in May 1976. In the meantime, our immigration visas were issued. With all my efforts, Dae Sung was healthy enough to travel and I thanked my heavenly father for our retired life as a bonus.


Immigration


On June 16, 1976, we left Gimpo Airport by JAL at 1:30pm saying goodbye to the rest of my family. My husband and I were welcomed by our family at the Vancouver airport again. About the same time, Jin Yang’s mother and her sister came to visit her for three months. While they were visiting, we stayed with Won Sook and had a good time with her family.


Later in the same year, Won Sup bought a bigger house in West Vancouver. It was a comfortable two-level house and had a nice view of Grouse Mountain and Greater Vancouver. We settled in nicely with his family. I thanked the Lord for His provision.


Won Sook gave birth to their healthy second son, Ricky, on April 9th, 1977, same day as my birthday.

Praise the Lord!!

                                      ********************************

Profile

April 9, 1914                 Born in Seoul, Korea

1937                                Graduated Gi Jun Girl’s High School, Jeun Joo

1940                                Graduated Nursing School, Severance Hospital

1940 – 1941                  RN Severance Hospital

1943 – 1945                  Midwifery

1946 – 1966                  Nursing Department, Seoul City Hall

1955 – 1966                  Executive member of Korean Nurses’ Association

1957 – 1966                  Executive member of Korean Midwifery Association

1966 – 1975                  Principal of Kaejong College of Nursing

                                          Executive member of Jun Book Branch of Nurses Association


Awards

1960                               Honorary Special Award (President of Korea S.M. Rhee)

1963                               Achievement Award (President of Korea J. H. Park)

1966                               Commendation for long service, 20 years (Mayor of Seoul, Korea)

1973                               Excellent Employee Recognition (Korean Nurses’ Association)

1976                               Excellent Employee Recognition (Seoul District Nurses’ Association)

Picture: Ahduk Kim and Dae Sung Chung with children

Picture: Ahduk Kim and daughter

Copyright © 2026 77stories.ca - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Spring ‘26
  • Summer ‘26
  • Fall ‘26
  • Winter ‘26-27

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

Accept