Emergence

Emergence
Gabriel turns Two: Happy Birthday Sweet Boy

Thursday, September 13, 2007

New Year, New Name

A new name is attached to "Jemila" and I'm announcing on my blog to coincide with the Jewish New Year. A time of fresh beginnings, re-dedication and renewal of love and devotion: everything embodied in my wedding ceremony, which unfolded with my best friend Jenn officiating, David's mom & partner Rich as witnesses and our kids the ring-bearers, flower children and living testimonies to the love we share. Our wedding ceremony took place four years after we first married each other in a small one-bedroom apartment with (planned) impromptu vows spoken between kisses on a rose-strewn bed where we first made love. Finally, we decided it was time to let some witnesses, and even Uncle Sam in on our promises to each other.

An explanation of the name change:

David would have happily carried the feminist flag by taking my last name, had it been my maiden name. My maiden name makes me cringe, remembering how it was always mispronounced at figure skating competitions, and how it sounded odd and unappealing to me even when pronounced correctly. These memories explain partially why, when I divorced, I kept former spouse's name, namely Monroe. It was a fine, normal name. Fine and normal were(and at certain junctures remain) appealing qualities. Yet somehow, David wasn't thrilled with the idea of inheriting the last name of my ex husband.

So our solution was to be introduced as Mr. Jemila Kwon and Ms. David Kwon. We belong to each other as we daily give ourselves for one another. In fact, it is more beautiful and true to say that we belong acutely with each other.

We are one because we create a new synthesis when we bring our whole, complete selves to the community of our marriage. And for the record, I am not Mrs. David Kwon, although I will possibly wear that hat once a year for Halloween, or other festive function featuring ridiculous costumes.

Here's a Christina Rosetti Poem David and I read together at our wedding:

What is the beginning? Love.
What is the course. Love still.
What is the goal. Te goal is love.
On a happy hill.
Is there nothing then but love?
Search we the sky or earth
There is nothing out of Love
Hath perpetual worth:
All things flag and flee;
There is nothing left but Love
Worthy you and me.

If you would like to see pictures of our wedding, they are posted at djfamily.shutterfly.com
The password is djfamily
Enjoy!

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Just the other day, i saw your new name on the emerging site, and it sent twinges of abundant joy through my being! It is so right and so fitting! I think this next year is going to be a time of new revelation into your identity and a solidifying of the person you have been created to be.

Jemila Kwon said...

I love you sister! I feel this too...it is a big year

Amy said...

Jemila, the pictures are lovely, as are you and you're whole family. The biggest of congratulations to you!

Jemila Kwon said...

Thank Amy -- I really cherish your encouragement & wish we lived closer so we could go for coffee and study time together :)

Janice said...

Congrats Jemila! Thanks for sharing the pics - your family is lovely - best wishes/prayers/thoughts for the days and years to come. :)

medium guy said...

Congratulations Jemila!

I have a good feeling about your life and I think your family looks like a huge blessing! And your husband is a lucky guy, so I hope he knows that!!!

All the best,

Medium Guy

Amy said...

Wouldn't that be fun!

One of these days...

Jemila Kwon said...

Thanks Janice, you're great. Amy, how do you like your coffee?

Medium Guy, I love you. Tae, thanks for stopping by; I really appreciate the positive feedback :)

Nancy said...

Congratulations, Jemila! The pics and your words tell a beautiful story about living life to the fullest. Many more blessings upon you and your family in the years to come!

Sensuous Wife said...

Congratulations, Jemila! I saw a lot of joy in those photos. Thank you for letting us bloggers be your virtual wedding guests. God's rich sustaining blessing on your covenant.

Jemila Kwon said...

Thanks Nancy & SW, you mean alot to me :)

Jemila Kwon said...

Thanks Nancy & SW, you mean alot to me :)

Amy said...

Jemila, I like sweetened coffee! This time of year, I love the Pumpkin Spice Latte or a White Chocolate Mocha.

How about you?

Jemila Kwon said...

I'm thinking vanilla or hazelnut mocha :) Reading a great book called "Reading Mark, Engaging the Gospel." Very literary Crit oriented and fascinating! What are you learning so far?