Maria DS

“When we put Professor Yoon's last words in order, they spelled out: My Christophers, thank you for being a part of my life. Do not grieve for me. All things must come to an end - youth, pain, passion, emptiness, war, violence. Do the flowers not bloom and fade? Just as I came into being, so must I pass out of existence. Look up to the sky. That's where the stars are. They are always shining there, whether we are gazing up at them, and whether we forget, and long after we die. May each of you become one of those shining stars.”
― Shin Kyung-sook, I'll Be Right There

“The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines. When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again. We’re drawn in — or out — and the windows of our perception are cleansed, as William Blake said. The same thing can happen when we’re around young children or adults who have unlearned those habits of shutting the world out.”
― Ursula K. Le Guin

“I can't wait for the years to pass, Jung Yoon," he said in a hallow voice. "Can't wait to be older, when I will understad, even if I can't forgive. Can't wait to become strong.”
― Shin Kyung-sook, I'll Be Right There

“That day, at chapel, another student raised her hand. She asked, "Looking back on your twenties, what would you most want to say to those of us who are going through our twenties now?" I made eye contact briefly with Yuseon, who was seated amongst the other students, as I looked over at the student who had asked the question. She must have been shy because her voice trembled. Without even having to think about it, I said, "I hope you all have someone who always makes you want to say, Let's remember this day forever." The students oohed and aahed, and then laughed at each other's reaction. I laughed with them. "Also..." They'd thought I was done but they quieted down again. "I hope you will never hesitate to say, I'll be right there.”
― Shin Kyung-sook, I'll Be Right There