A lesson in staying filled with JOY!

Most would say that grandparents are more than a blessing to have in our lives. We learn so much from them, get spoiled by them, and have a totally different connection to them than we do our own parents. I would agree.

My grandmother, Kayo Cook, who I have always known as Cha Chon (she is the full Japanese blood in my family)has been all of those things to me. I have countless memories of her from as far back as I can even remember. She has been a wonderful constant in my life and to this day continues to be.

Cha Chon might be the most incredible person I know. I don't know anyone else who drinks green tea everyday just because of the health benefits it has for her. She is so disciplined. There are not a lot of grandparents I know that speak 2 languages fluently. She does! I dont know anyone else who has devoted every Tuesday for the past (insert big number here because I can't even count how many years it has been) to making sandwhiches for the homeless with Love and Care Ministries in Abilene. I don't know a whole lot of people who don't have much, but give what they do have away just because it makes them feel good. She does. Many people have to be put on medication when diagnosed with diabetes, but not her. She controls it with her disciplined diet and has kept it under control with just that. My Cha Chon spends a lot of time taking care of her sweet elderly friends, making sure they get to the doctor when needed. She has seen many of her friends lose their lives in the past several years, but I know she made a mark on each of them as they passed on. No one I know has a stronger faith than she does.

Not a lot of people can still find the joy that life has to offer after they have been diagnosed with stage 3a liver cancer. Last week, she did. Its hard to believe (for me and my mom) but she actually seems more energetic and full of life after having hearing of her diagnosis. Her life is beautiful, she is so strong. She came to the states several years before my Mom was born and still says that was the best thing that could of happened to her, because it was here that she found the Lord. Her family back in Japan has now heard all about Christ. There is so much to be said, and this blog post could probably go on and on about how I feel about her and who she is.

Our family is so hopeful, even after understanding what is going on with her liver. We are because she is. We are confident that she is in good care, and has many many years ahead to spend with us. She is an amazing woman, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. I am lucky to say that there is much to be joyful about in my life. She taught me how. Please join my family in continued prayer for her, my sweet sweet Cha Chon