My grandma passed away last weekend, and though I miss her incredibly, it's eased by the thought that right now she is chatting and walking with Jesus, in a perfectly healthy body, perfectly happy. What an incredible thought that is. "She's in a better place" is more than just a cliche, it's a reality. What's an even more incredible thought that I have a hard time wrapping my mind around, but have been thinking a lot about lately (even before my grandma passed away) is that we are here on earth for just a brief moment. A second. jigga what?? "What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29-31.

Kang Ja Min was born Lee Kang Ja on May 10, 1922 to father Lee, Ki Yong and mother An, Byung in Seoul, Korea.  She was the eldest daughter in a family of three daughters and three sons.  She attended Kyunggi Girl's High School and graduated tops in her class.  After high school, she worked at her father's office for the national railroad system. 

Her marriage to Min, Tae Yong was arranged and registered on March 15, 1945. Although no photographs of their wedding survived the Korean War, her brother–in–law Min, Tae Seong remembers that the wedding ceremony was held in Kyunhakwon, Myungryun-dong, Seoul, and was performed in the traditional Korean style.  During the early years of marriage, the couple lived in the large Min family home in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul.  During the war, she had to flee Seoul and lived as a refugee for a short period in the area by Busan.  Her first daughter, Byung Hi was born in April 16, 1946 and passed away during the war due to illness at the age of four.  Her son, Dae Kun was born on December 5, 1949 in Yongsan-ku, Seoul.  Her second daughter, Young Soon was born on April 29, 1953 in Kanghwa-kun.  Before her husband left for the U.S. in February, 1953, he arranged for his wife to obtain a job with the U.S. military base in Yongsan.  She worked there in the cleaning services.  She was living at that time in Hyehwa-dong, in the northern part of the city, at considerable distance from the army base involving a grueling trip to and from work.  During her seven years living apart from her husband, she endured long hours of work to support her family. 

Her persistent efforts to emigrate in order to join her husband was realized in December 1960 when she and her two children were finally able to depart for the U.S.  A photograph taken on the day of departure at the Kimpo airport depicts a large gathering of Lee and Min family members for the big farewell. 

Once settled in Monterey, California, she became a hairdresser and worked at Anita's Hair Salon for over a decade before she started her own business, Linda's Hair Salon in Pacific Grove.  She was known as Kay by her many dedicated clients until she retired in the mid 1990s.  She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary in 1995.  In 1996, the couple moved to Southern California and lived for periods of time in Los Angeles and San Diego with their daughter and son, respectively.  Her husband and life partner passed away in October of 2001.  

Kang Ja Min is lovingly remembered as a dedicated daughter, a smart student, the elder sister and aunt to a large extended family, a faithful wife, a fearless and vibrant working woman, a warm and generous friend to many, a devoted and cherished mother and grandmother.  She is survived by two sisters and one brother who live in Korea, another brother, Kang Tae Lee in Sunnyvale, California; her son and daughter, her daughter-in-law Simone and two granddaughters, Jennifer and Emily.