Sisters in LA

Hey YTJ fam,

I can't believe it's March! Yesterday, my sister and I spent the last day of February in LA where it's been stormy and cold. So of course, I brought my camera with me to document our day. 

We started the day off at Jayanne doctor's appointment where I sat with her in the room. It made me sad to see all the medication my sister needs to take to be healthy again. But she's strong. Because if it were me, I'd be crying everyday. After her appointment we went to our favorite Pho place in LA to stay warm.

---

I'm so proud of my sister for being so strong and fighting to be healthy and happy. It's been a full year since my sister was in and out of the hospital and diagnosed with lupus and other auto immune diseases. It was a really tough time for our family to see her go through both physical and emotional pain. Not only was she diagnosed with this illness but she also went through the worst heartbreak- losing her closest friends and breaking up with a guy she thought she was going to marry. Yeah, heavy stuff, right?

It's taken her and our family these past few months to finally be okay with everything. For a long time I was angry at people and at God. But every day I was reminded of grace. . . And how much I needed it. Even after being given grace and having access to it, I still find it hard to choose for myself and for others. But that's just it-- it's a choice. We can choose to be angry and stay angry, or we can choose grace and understand that every broken thing is promised to become beautiful again. God has been so gracious to my sister and to our family. Because well, we still have my sister (crying* as I type this). 

Today, my sister is not just a fighter, but a survivor. Jayanne's story is inspiring and it's been cool witnessing it being written. If you all know my sister and I personally, then you know that her and I are so different. And that's what I love about her. She's a lot bolder than I am, and is never afraid to speak her mind. And because we're sisters we bicker all the time about the stupidest things. But she's my best friend and I love her in a special way that no one else ever can, as her sister. 

I'm going to cherish these in between moments with my sister forever. From sleeping with her in her hospital bed, to yell-singing to the Frozen soundtrack in the car, then having her as my Maid of Honor at my wedding-- these moments in between the bigger ones are my favorite because they're unrehearsed and unplanned. 

So, enjoy our pictures. Yes, we are not wearing make-up, and yes, we are wearing the same jacket. 

Gosh looking at all these food pictures makes me hungry! Anyway, thanks for stopping by. I hope that GRACE is something that happens to you. Don't let the idea of grace be enough. Choose to love with grace and compassion for others. It's hard, but we all need it!