Why I am Joining Fast 4 Families in Solidarity: Carrie Pugh

Tonight I take part in the continuation of the week-long solidarity fast with Fast for Families: A Call for Immigration Reform & Citizenship with my colleagues at the National Education Association (NEA).

In 1970, my birth mother became a widow. She also became a single mom to three small children and was pregnant with my twin sister, Courtni and me.

With no better options, our birth mother left my three siblings with grandparents in her home in Chollado province and went to find a job in the city (Seoul). She rented a room, worked two jobs (one in a factory and another cleaning houses), all while pregnant with twins. After we were born, she made the heart-wrenching decision to take my twin Courtni (Sunjoo) and me (Hoojoo) to a local orphanage. Crying, she asked the caseworker to place her daughters with a good family in “Miguk” – America – for a better life.

I fast for other parents and families, who like my birth mother, have made incredible acts of courage and sacrifice to give their children a better life.

I fast for my own two children, Miles and Grace, because if ever faced with similar circumstances – I would hope that I could act with as much courage, strength and grace to try to give them a better life.

I fast in solidarity with more than 1,100 families a day whose hopes and dreams are dashed by deportation and separation from their loved ones.

I fast because I still believe in the America for which my birth mother dreamed, and for which we all dream.

Fasting in solidarity are Karen White, Rocio Inclan, Amy Kurtz, Cristina Uribe, Joanna Choi, National Korean American Resource & Cultural Center, Cynthia Rena Kain, Brian Dunn, Kim Kim Anglin Anderson, Speak Up For Education and Kids, and more.

-Carrie Pugh of NEA