Joy
Joy, my stepsister, was an amazing woman. Some people, rightly so, think of her as a warrior. While I know that to be true, I think that was just a piece of her entirety. Her battle against ovarian cancer demonstrates what a hard fighter she was. For two years, she battled fiercely, and even in the end went down swinging for the fences.
She was a tremendous mother. I often seeked advice from her when considering options for parenting my children, her nephews. Many times, I followed her and her husband’s lead in brining up my boys a certain way. There likely has never been a parent more involved in her children’s activities and in guiding them down a path filled with virtues, values, and faith. She was close to them, and she could laugh with them. Their foundation is strong due to her and her husband.
Joy was someone who always gave some of the funniest birthday cards in the world. I can still envision her “Joy” signature on my cards, and could feel the love in that handwriting. She knew how to make me laugh, and that seemed to come naturally for her. Let me tell you, too, that when she smiled, it was an expression you’d never forget: pure beauty.
She had this attitude about cancer that was something I’d not experienced through anyone before. She seemed to say, “ok, cancer, I see you and I’m not afraid; bring me your best shot.” At the end, I think she changed, too. Joy stopped worrying about the little things in life that had upset her previously. She started looking at the big picture and enjoyed her moments even more with family and friends. She also told me not to worry, and referred me to a number of Bible verses, showing me that God has things under control.
I know for a fact that she hated me playing “Chariots of Fire” over and over again on the piano when we were teens. I didn’t do it to annoy her, I promise; I think I partially did it because I got attention from her. One day, Joy, I hope to play that song again for you.
Below is a link to a Go Fund Me page. There, you can help Stephen, Noah, and Abby in the years to come. Every bit counts, so please consider giving from your heart.