Lucky 7's?
Lucky 7
‘s?
DANG!!! 77 years old!
Thankfully, though NOT by luck, I still feel GREAT – well, for someone
who’s been through 76 winters! It’s
hard work, but well worth the effort to stay fit and healthy!!!
I ALWAYS said that my life has been blessed, and now I feel this even stronger
than ever. Don’t get me wrong – I
have DEFINITELY had my share of those dreaded “BAD” times.
Fortunately, those times have been few and far apart!
Most things happen to you that you have no control of – where or when you were
born, your nationality, your parents, your siblings, your upbringing.
These things were my blessings from heaven because the stars were aligned
perfectly. Other things that happen
you DO have some control of. These
things are the ones that you cherish the most because you know that YOU did
something to MAKE them happen.
For me, two major events that I DID have some control over changed my life from
just “okay” to “FABULOUS”! The first
and MOST important, as most of you know, is meeting Paula at Roosevelt High
School. Dating, marrying, and then
having a family with Paula has DEFINITELY been the BIGGEST event of my life!!!
I couldn’t ask for more caring and
awesome kids … Remy and Rylan, and, of course, our three grandchildren, Rylynn,
Rynn, and Khai! Our family now
counts 9 – is there a 10th in the future?
Sorry, I have NO control over THAT!!!
The second event that majorly impacted my life happened when I was a freshman at
the UH and stepped into the dance studio in the campus quarry to get my first
taste of karate! From day 1 I was
HOOKED!!! Fifty-eight years later I
am still … well, I wouldn’t say “going strong”.
Let’s just say “going”!!!
HSK, however, IS going strong, and will be celebrating its 42nd
anniversary in June 2025.
This was a major event in my life because I have had the opportunity to meet so
many wonderful people from SO many walks of life – especially THIS group!!!
You have enriched my life a hundredfold.
I thank you with all my heart, and consider you all a part of my OHANA!!
Before I end, I know that many of the Senpais, including our training members,
look to me for inspiration. They
think, “if this old guy can move that fast, train that hard, and make it look so
easy, then I have NO excuse!!! Come
on body – let’s MOVE!!!”
I know this carnival ride I’m on is nearing its end, and soon it will be time to
step away and watch the parade pass by.
I am taking one year at a time, and will try my best to stay in the game
for as long as I can. When Khai was
born, Lyn told Paula, “Oooo, Khai can learn karate from Papa too!”, to which
Paula replied, “Do you know that Papa will be 80 years old when Khai is ready
for karate?”
I leave you with that thought … and NO REGRETS!!!
2/4/2025