Story time
First off: Went to the doc for my 5-week checkup and all's well. Better than well, actually. I'm on crutches for a few more weeks (20kg max weight-bearing until Aug 31, then +10kg per week to full weight-bearing).
Now, the story:
1977 or '78. I was young, dumb and full of more testosterone and ambition than sense. I did something dumb and potentially dangerous. Papa-san found out about it. He didn't rant. He didn't raise his voice. He took me aside, a private tete-a-tete. He said, "I'm disappointed in you ..." and walked away.
I have no words to describe how devastated I was. He was that kind of guy. It was never mentioned again. I've lived with the force of that simple statement for these 30-some-odd (some VERY odd) years.
Many, many of the lessons he gave me (some of them not in any sort of class, just Papa-san being Papa-san and playing with grandkids, helping someone who couldn't help themselves, BEING there for people who needed someone there), not EVEN getting into the deliberate and specific lessons of budo and dojo he taught ... are still percolating and still being learned.
Even today, after 30+ years from way-back-then, I often walk onto the mat, try to teach and suddenly have an insight: "Damn. THAT'S what he was talking about!"
It's humbling.
He was that kind of guy. That kind of teacher. That kind of budoka. That kind of Papa-san.
Someday -- I can only hope -- some of my students will look back and think half as fondly of me as I do of him.
ch
Now, the story:
1977 or '78. I was young, dumb and full of more testosterone and ambition than sense. I did something dumb and potentially dangerous. Papa-san found out about it. He didn't rant. He didn't raise his voice. He took me aside, a private tete-a-tete. He said, "I'm disappointed in you ..." and walked away.
I have no words to describe how devastated I was. He was that kind of guy. It was never mentioned again. I've lived with the force of that simple statement for these 30-some-odd (some VERY odd) years.
Many, many of the lessons he gave me (some of them not in any sort of class, just Papa-san being Papa-san and playing with grandkids, helping someone who couldn't help themselves, BEING there for people who needed someone there), not EVEN getting into the deliberate and specific lessons of budo and dojo he taught ... are still percolating and still being learned.
Even today, after 30+ years from way-back-then, I often walk onto the mat, try to teach and suddenly have an insight: "Damn. THAT'S what he was talking about!"
It's humbling.
He was that kind of guy. That kind of teacher. That kind of budoka. That kind of Papa-san.
Someday -- I can only hope -- some of my students will look back and think half as fondly of me as I do of him.
ch
posted by Carolus Hereticus | 1:53 PM
4 Comments:
I am so pleased you are doing well and so very sorry to hear about your loss. One that cuts so so close to the bone.
Having recently had to contemplate the mortality of the woman of whom I'm a clone, it is a particularly sensitive issue for me. Sending you extra special hugs.
Heya Janet! How is your mom doing anyhow?
Thanks for the hugs (ALWAYS welcome), and HW and I send lots of warm hugs and koshis back at ya!
She had triple bypass and aortic valve (she named the piggie "Clementine") Fri the 17th and on the following Thurs transferred to a rehab unit for PT/OT, wound care, etc.
So, 5 months from her 80th bday she contemplates giving up kayaking and intensive worldwide nature travel, hence is in a bit of an existential crisis. sheesh.
How goes the on-the-mat rehab, LOEP? Ya keeping him in line, HW?
Looking forward to the day we can share food and drink and in person laughs again.
Your mom sound slike a grand woman. Warm wishes and gentle hugs for her from us.
I was on the mat last night, teaching atemi and controlling range and timing, and HW was torn between applauding and scolding.
You can ask her for details, I'm sure she'll be glad to spill the beans.
Hope you're well and holding up yourownself, too.
And the food, drink and laughs thing is a date.
Post a Comment
<< Home