Thank you Grandma. I Love You...

I grew up in a broken family.

My grandmother took care of my sisters and me from a young age.

Recently, I was watching a TV drama and noticed how some elderly people feel embarrassed about using adult diapers or walking sticks as they grow older.

Don’t worry — I’m not here to convince anyone not to feel that way. I just want to share something about my grandma.

I’ve always wondered how she could be so brave and so proud of who she is.

There was one incident — she slipped and fell because of an old pair of slippery slippers. I came home from school and found out. My heart nearly stopped.

Thankfully, her children really cared for her. She recovered fairly quickly after some therapy and a short stay in the hospital.

But as we know, a major fall at that age usually leaves some side effects. She had to start using a walking stick, especially to support her weight (yes, she was quite a fatty grandma ❤️). But what amazed me was — she never felt embarrassed about it.

She used it because it was useful. She needed it. Simple as that.

A few years later, she started having urinary incontinence (I hope I’m using the right term). But instead of hiding it, she requested to use adult diapers. She didn’t want to wet her underwear.

Not everyone ages this way. Some people are healthy and strong even in their old age. But I just want to say — I’m so proud of her.

She was completely herself. She used what she needed. She was comfortable being real.

Of course, there were so many other things about her that I love and that I’ve learned from. Through her actions and presence, she taught me a lot about what love really is.

She passed away in 2007 at the age of 81.

And today, I just want to say:

I love you, Grandma. I miss you. Always. 💓💗

When No One Says Thank You…

Do You Do It for Love, or for Praise?

Have you ever found yourself doing something kind or thoughtful for others...and deep down, hoping for a thank you, a bit of appreciation, or maybe even a returned favor?

Let’s say you love to cook. You pour your heart into preparing meals for your family or friends, and it makes you feel warm inside... especially when they finish everything on the table, or give you compliments. But what if, one day, they’re too tired, too full, or just not in the mood to eat, even after all your time and effort?

Would you feel hurt? Unseen? Maybe even angry inside, like your heart’s on fire?

It’s okay. Those emotions are completely normal. Many of us experience this...the sting of being unappreciated, even when our intentions were good.

But here’s a little perspective I’ve learned and would love to share.

If you truly enjoy cooking (I do too, by the way 😊), does it really need to depend on others’ reactions? If they don’t say thank you or don’t eat as much that day...does it make your effort any less meaningful?

When you do something from the heart, out of joy, love, and self-expression...not obligation...then appreciation becomes a bonus, not a need. If you begin to feel like you have to do something, that’s when resentment or disappointment can sneak in.

So instead, do it because you love it. Because it makes you feel good.

This mindset applies to everything...not just cooking. Whether it’s advice you offer, help you give, or the effort you put into anything… if it comes from pressure or needing validation, you’ll feel empty when no one notices. And eventually, if you keep following what others tell you to do, without listening to yourself...you’ll lose your spark. You'll start to feel like a lifeless version of yourself, just drifting… waiting… fading.

So please, always follow your heart.

Praise is sweet, yes. But don’t let the lack of it stop you from doing what lights you up. You are worthy...with or without applause.

And when no one praises you, will you lie on your bed forever and stop living your truth?

I hope not.

I hope you smile, keep going, and keep doing what you love...just because you love it.

With lots of love 💓