She is the true meaning of JOY.

Funny how people come into your lives and you never realize how much of an impact someone has made on you until something drastic happens. Upon sitting with my family at the dinner table, we get a call: Grandma Joy (My great aunt) has passed away at 10am in the Philippines. Just this morning, my dad was telling me that we would have to go to the Philippines next week on such short notice to support the family and pay our respects to our grandma who took such great care of us. I agreed to it since I haven't seen that family since I was about 6 years old. It would be good to go back home and say hi to everyone again. However, I didn't get this chance to do so. She is in such a better place now. I know she's in Heaven. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a friend, a caregiver and a wonderful person all around. She was someone who I had very much respect for even as a young little Danielle. I know she's looking down at me and my family and watching over us. She was such a beautiful lady and such a loving grandmother to us. She was one of those old ladies who sat in the rocking chair and wore her Moo-Moo. She was a cute little lady. She babysat us and even family friends' kids. She always played Chinese Checkers and was GOOD at it. She always called me "Miss Universe" saying that I was one of the most beautiful girls she's ever seen. How gracious of her to say something like that and telling me that I was someone who WAS beautiful in someone's eyes. She was such a special lady in my life and I'm sure the rest of my family's. She will be missed. Grandma Joy, I love you and I hope you're enjoying it up there with Lucky & Michael Jackson playing the game you are so great at, Chinese Checkers. Take care of us as you always have.

-- Danielle Delos Reyes