Karyn January Cheng

I’ve struggled to find the right words for this. I had intended to share these thoughts on January 31, Karyn’s birthday, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I felt that once posted, I’d have to fully accept that Karyn is no longer part of my tangible world. Still, I struggle to comprehend that my roommate from college, who has been there for so many milestones in my life, is truly gone.

There is so much I will miss...
Her sparkling bright eyes dancing as she breaks into a huge, warm smile...
Her contagious laugh erupting spontaneously over the silliest little things...
All her nuanced, varying facial expressions — of which her quizzical looks and excited expressions stand out the most in my mind.

I will miss receiving Christmas cards and birthday cards written with the most perfect, beautiful handwriting — it really should be patented into a computer font. I remember glancing over at her exquisite notes while sitting next to her during lectures. Gaping in awe, I felt compelled to write neater myself.

Karyn had a knack for finding treasures — small, thoughtful gifts that always felt handpicked for your soul. Simple, yet deeply meaningful.

Other fond moments that stand out:
Waking up to the sound of her conversing with her family of seals in "stuffed animal language" every morning...

Curling up to watch Beaches (the 1988 musical comedy) on my tiny 13" TV-VCR combo, perched atop our lofted dorm beds, sipping sweet hot drinks, laughing and crying together in the soft dark...

I can still recall bits and pieces of conversations from the countless talks we had — sharing stories about growing up, about our extended families and the black sheep among them, about high school prom, about boys, and about our dreams for the future...

She was there for all the significant occasions in my life — present during my highest highs and a solid support during my lowest low as well.

Later, even when life pulled us to opposite coasts, we made time to reconnect, to share meals, to make memories. Those who know Karyn know — every trip promised amazing food! Our last plans were disrupted by Covid and I'm most heartbroken that we were not able to squeeze in just one more adventure together... we were aiming for 2025... so you see... I am still really not yet completely accepting that our journey here has come to an abrupt pause... ... ...

Well, they say pictures speak a thousand words, so here are a few snapshots…

a glimpse of her silliness... this was during college...

MIT graduation in 1997...

my wedding day in 2002...

She was one of the first folks to visit after I had my firstborn in 2007

afternoon tea in Chicago

yummy breakfast

one of my very favorite dinners ever... Mexico 2018

I miss you, dear friend... ... ... 

I miss your light, your laughter, and your love.

Until we meet again... 

Mother's Day Haikus

Long time no write! So honest truth... the struggle is real with mothering teenagers...

Felt like writing some haikus...

Today is a day 

To appreciate mothers

Shower them with love

Not an easy task

This role of being a mom

So many demands

Although there is stress

Sometimes tears and frustrations

But still there is love

So hug your mother

On this day and every day

Let her know you care

Happy Mothers Day

May there be more smiles than frowns

More laughter and joy

got these from work!

With a Thankful Heart

Many milestones and changes this past year... So thankful for all of these and so much more...

• Celebrating my dad's 80th birthday
• Commemorating my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary
• My firstborn hitting Sweet 16
• Privilege to serve with Wrightstown Family Medicine for 16 years
• New opportunity to reach the neediest populations at Dedicated Senior

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!

 The LORD is my strength and my shield;

in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

- Psalm 28:7

Chapter Ending

It is with a very heavy heart that I announce that my time at Wrighstown Family Medicine is coming to an end. After July this summer, I will be transitioning to serving the medicare advantage population closer to Philly.

Meeting Paul Caracappa and joining him in his vision to make a lasting impact on the surrounding community has been a true honor and privilege. Not only do we strive to offer the best medical care to our patients, but we also endeavor to offer comfort and a hope that is eternal. Forming close relationships with both the staff as well as the patients has been the most meaningful part of my entire time at Wrightstown Family Medicine. We have shared joys and sorrows, triumphs and setbacks... laughed, cried, and celebrated together...

So why the transition? Honestly, it was not something I foresaw coming but when it came to my attention that doctors were needed in a more underserved population treating the elderly, my heart was pulled. I remember why I decided to go to medical school in the first place.

In high school, I used to drive my grandfather three times a week to a hospital in Trenton. It was hard watching him struggle with high blood pressure which led to him needing kidney dialysis. Then he had a stroke which required us to call 911. I still remember how helpless I felt riding in the front seat of that ambulance, but that is when I decided to go into medicine. I wanted to be able to help folks like my grandfather.

The medical road is a long one and I am grateful for the support and encouragement of my collegaues and friends who have helped me along the way to become the doctor that I am today. Being at Wrighstown for the past sixteen years has been a true blessing. Words cannot do it justice. Although it is with sadness that I go, I am also exctied and ready to face the new challenges, experiences, and opportunities that is to come. In the end, leaving Wrighstown Family Medicine is not just a farewell, but a reminder of the power of relationships and the impact we can have on others. It is a celebration of God's faithfulness. So, here I am closing one chapter of my life and getting ready to start a new.

postcard we sent out 16 years ago when I first joined the practice!

Happy 2023!

This is the first year that we let our kids stay up for the actual Ball Drop in Times Square. In years past, we would celebrate the countdown with countries in other time zones so that our kids can get to bed by a decent hour. Fussy kids are no fun... but neither are fussy adults. Being more disciplined with sleep is one of my goals for 2023.

Most are familiar with how sleep can benefit your mood and immune system. Did you know it can also help with preventing weight gain? Few theories out there but one thought is that ghrelin, a hormone that makes you hungry, is increased with less sleep. At the same time, leptin, a hormone that tells you that you are full, is decreased. There are also studies that suggest lack of sleep promotes prediabetes which can then lead to diabetes, as well as worsen sugar control for those who already have diabetes.

So the reasons are many... but I find it super hard to do. The wee hours before bedtime is the only "me time" I really get and unfortunately, as the kids get older this time has shrunk. They used to all be in bed by 8pm at the latest. Now, it is a real struggle to get my middle schooler in bed before 10p. My high schooler is on her own... sometimes she is up even later doing homework. I suppose I will have to brainstorm ways...

Well... happy new year, everyone!

Night Before Christmas 2022

It is that time of year again when we're getting a lot of sick calls... sinus infections... strep... flu... covid... you name it! And yes... they are all contagious. Stay healthy, everyone!

All's quiet in the Kim household...

our second daughter baked the cookies herself

we finally got a gas fireplace

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Merry Christmas!

KDramas

It has been a while since I posted. Covid hit my life like a cyclone spinning all the different components out of place and even now as things settle, it is just not the same. We are all adjusting to the "new normal"... whatever that means. I imagine work in particular has worn me down quite a bit and I am tired of thinking and talking... especially if it is about Covid. Compound that with the kids all growing a little older and our two girls reaching adolescence, my heart is lamenting how the parent-child relationship has changed. The challenge has made me emotionally exhausted.... but more on that in another post.

So what do I want to write about if not about Covid or parenting? I decided that I'll throw in a post about KDramas. It is the one piece that got thrown into my mix during Covid that has been a fun distraction and escape. With that said, it is only a temporary and fleeting reprieve. Scripture is still the only true sustainable fuel that fills my empty mental and emotional tanks. I need to remind myself of familiar passages such as:

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:3 New Living Translation)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

(Matthew 11:28 NIV)

Now a little about my momentary diversions...  here are a few dramas that stood out to me. For diversity, I'll pick from different genres.

Crash Landing on You

This is a lighthearted romantic comedy and since it is one of the first KDramas that drew me in, I have to mention it. The chemistry between the two main leads is cute and they ended up dating for real afterward, even getting married and expecting their first child. Furthermore, the soldier sidekicks were hilarious and added an important element. I ended up rewatching it with my kids, who also really got into it. The contrast of everyday life that was illustrated between North and South Korea was what made this drama unique.

Mr. Sunshine

The beautiful cinematography, superb acting, and gripping storyline all consumed me during this watch. The back story of the three male leads and their roles were so cleverly woven together, it left a lingering impression. The love story was subtle but pulled at the heart. This drama was engrossing and deep and caused me to think about it for days even after finishing. I even got my mom hooked to watch it. There are definitely more graphic violent scenes so I did not show this to my kids.

Hotel Del Luna

If you like a little bit of scary mixed in with humor and romance then this drama is a must-watch. I generally do not like horror movies but this drama has just enough humor in it for it to not be categorized as a true horror movie. It is more of a fantasy romance with a fascinating storyline that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how it was all going to end. There was only one scene where I had to plug my ears and peek through my fingers to watch... (the closet scene!) Finally, I have to mention the music because the soundtrack for this drama is exceptionally moving.

Vincenzo

This drama is back to a bit more lighthearted and fun but throws in some kick-butt action and mafia scenes. I actually really like lawyer shows and this is one of several that I've enjoyed (maybe because I'm in the medical profession, I don't really like watching medical shows). What stood out to me was the humor and action. There is a bit of violence and gore in some of the scenes but just as how Hotel Del Luna was not an outright horror movie due to humor, I feel this is not just an action movie due to the humor. There is a tinge of romance but I feel it was not the main draw.

Kill Me Heal Me

This has become my new favorite KDrama and Ji Sung has become my favorite Korean actor. He plays a character with dissociative personality disorder and displays seven different personalities remarkably well. The storyline is captivating and this is a drama I will want to rewatch. However, it is not on Netflix. You can watch it on Viki if you get the Viki Plus Pass or on Kocowa which is free but has a lot of interruptions with advertisements. Hoping it will come to Netflix soon.

Well, that is it for now. I'll post something more useful later. Maybe...