Substitute for a silient mouth of sorrow
There was once a day during my internship in Japan when a co-worker came to me and said she had to leave because her grandmother had just passed away. Though my Japanese was okay, I was not familiar enough with the custom to know what to say, and I was not the best with words anyhow; even in English it is hard to know what to say in such circumstances. I said to her “cheer-up” but that was it, and she had to leave so that left little time for comforting.
I thought about buying her flowers or making origami roses to give her upon her return, but I wasn’t sure if giving paper flowers would be inappropriate. So I asked my mother’s opinion and questioned whether there were certain colors or types of flowers that are more appropriate for such occasions, or things I should avoid. She said in Japan they would use white for this kind of case and if I could make white lilies, it would be appropriate. So that is what I did, and I gave the paper lilies to my co-worker when she returned. So in the end, though my words could not come through, my sorrow was well expressed.
My mouth disappears in the back while the lilies light up brightly in front. My mouth is closed and silent, but the lilies made by my hands bloom a thousand words.
This piece has been featured in
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Light in the Darkness
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Bev Woodman
What a wonderful story and the picture now comes to life – thank you for sharing
Tahnja
speechless beauty and powerful sentiment Mui Ling
butchart
what a beautiful gesture of support mlt….and you are right… sometimes there a just now words…. but you found a way…............... good on you….........b
Tara Sheffer-A...
Spectacular image Mui-Ling!!!!!!!! Love it!!!! Words also great!!!
Midori Furze
Beautiful, Mui-Ling!!!
Lots of loooooooooove and hugs!
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Midori :)))
linaji
My mouth is closed and silent, but the lilies made by my hands bloom a thousand words.
your magic hands so full of expressive love.. wow you are so darn cool.
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thanks Lina. Yesterday I was trying to videotape myself folding a 5×5mm crane, but was of no success. I came to realize that I will definately need someone’s help. I’m always folding either in the air or on the surface so the camera would have to follow my hands. I’ll be lucky if there is anyone available to help me and who cam videotape well enough (during the time I was trying to tape myself I had to put a magnifying glass infront of the camera lens – would be more conveniant to find someone else with a better camera though.)
Karen Cook
Wonderful story Mui-Ling. It’s very hard to know what to say when someone passes away, but the origami lilies were a perfect expression of your sorrow. So very beautiful.
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Karen, for your understanding and thoughtful comment.
cherylc1
just gorgeous!!!
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you so much Cheryl :D
Dayonda
I know she was touched, and that she realized your heart understood hers when you gave her these. They’re really beautiful.
The imagry in your photo tells the story and speaks more words than any of us could bring to mind.
You mother has a fine daughter. Please tell her so from Kiwi-san and myself, his wife.
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Dayonda! Please send my regards to Kiwi-san, tell him I say “yoroshiku”. My mother also told me to say “Goshuuhshoosama-sama” desu when I give the flowers; this is what people say when somebody’s loved one passes away. If I knew that earlier I could have said it just before my co-worker left for the funeral.
pinkyjain
Such a wonderful & nice story, nice, too, that you put so much effort into making her feel better. The lilies are gorgeous, and the face outlined in the background is magical
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Lisa. I usually don’t take good self-portraits of myself; but this is only half my face so wasn’t as bad lol.
KazM
Wonderfully thoughtful creation. Thank you for sharing the story as it greatly adds to the poingancy of the picture
linaji
YOu and I have a powerful desire.. I know we can get it done.. keep in heart and mind and someone will show up I just know it!!
Dayonda
I forgot to tell you that Kiwi-san has forgotten most of his Japanese. It’s his second language, which he learned from his first wife’s family in Okinawa. He can’t remember how to do things sometimes, either. I think a lot of it is the prescription opiates he’s given for pain. I wish he had been able to stay in Okinawa, because Papa-san could have fixed his legs. Even if we never married, it would have kept him from this pain. But pain has use, and he’s used it well.
Joanne Bradley
Ah Mui-LIng this is a wonderful story! Thanks so much for sharing! Beautiful white paper roses. What a lovely sentiment you expressed so well!
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you very much Joanne. I know it must have been a long read so I greatly appreciate you looking at this and reading along.
frozenfa
thats really sweet and kind of you, Mui-Ling! =) i think the photo’s well taken too, as we can still see your silent form, and beautiful lips while the flowers glow before you.. lovely~ =)
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thanks fa, I wanted to include my mouth in there to express that silence, which worked more effectively by focusing on the flowers; so my mouth appear to sort of fade.
frozenfa
yep yep! i think that was very well done, Mui-Ling!! =D
migaloomagic
Dear Mui-Ling,
My own words fail me right now…
I am so moved by yours and this image…
It stopped me in my tracks and washed me with warmth and wellbeing…
what a kind soul you are….
a beautiful person…
to care so much…
about getting
things just
right….
wow….
this is truly truly so very special :D
I am sure that your white lillies would have
been a treasure and a comfort to your colleague..
you are so thoughtful….
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you Karin. Rather than your words failing you, it looks like they came out on their own.
migaloomagic
the above image is truly beautiful – I forgot to say that….
i love how you are just there in the background being solemn and respectful
and quiet…..and the glowing white of the lillies in the foreground…...so lovely
Gregory John O...
Beautiful. Beautiful thought
Mar Silva
Mui-Ling you really are a wonderful artist!
I love this piece! I see great things in your future.
Enjoy the journey!
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Bless you Mar, thank you so much :D
Leslie Hagen
Wow are these nice! I like the photo too. It adds to the story of your friend really well.
coppertrees
Beautiful words and thoughts
Tony Ryan
Beautiful image. Also love that you care so much to go as deep as you do with regards to how others feel.
richardseah
THNAK YOU for this wonderful sharing. My vote.
Mui-Ling Teh replied
Thank you :)
Stephen Thomas
Cool Pic!
Sue Cotton
Delightful pic & story! Thanks for sharing…..
Taylor Sawyer 25 days ago
Congrats on your feature! You are now invited to enter
this piece into Best of WHITE
Mui-Ling Teh replied 25 days ago
Fantastic! And thank you for the fav :)
PatriciaLM 25 days ago
Exquisite love this so… Patricia :-))
PatriciaLM 25 days ago
You have been FEATURED in the LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS GROUP
CONGRATULATIONS ….Patricia :-))