Helping Hand

I was really looking forward to taking some time out during the Family Day long weekend to do a bit of relaxing, spending time with my family and getting some of the things done that I have not had time to do.

Shortly before the weekend someone I met through a friend is expecting a baby very shortly and as she is single, she wanted to move closer her family for support. When I heard that she was moving into an apartment that needed a lot of cleaning up and she, along with her mom and dad, were going to do it alone, I volunteered to help out. I know her mom and dad are not very healthy and could use the extra hands. When I got there on Saturday, I was speechless to say the least as it was far worse than I could have ever imagined. There was no way anyone could bring a new baby into the apartment in the condition it was in.

I spent the next couple of days disinfecting and washing out every corner, wall and fixture I could get my hands on. I do not even want to think about what was encountered when cleaning the freezer and fridge, but I must say the end result was worth every minute of scrubbing that went into getting it clean. There is still a lot of work, like putting up shelves, etc, but it looks so much better.

At the end of the weekend, my hands were raw and sore from scrubbing and my body ached from the workout it got but it felt really good to lend a helping hand.

Working Together

Once again last night's Black Belt Promotion ceromony was very inspirational and gives one food for thought. Many thanks to those who made this year's event the success it was. These events take a group effort and it was wonderful to see how, once again, the "Silent River Kung Fu" family pulled together when needed. Sure, every event has its malfunctions, but if everything went perfectly and without a hitch, I don't think we would appreciate the outcome nearly as much.

I am very proud to be associated with such a wonderful group of individuals. Way to Go Team!

Eva Dennis
Silent River Kung Fu
Stony Plain, Alberta

Canada

Loved Ones

This has been a very mentally draining week. Wednesday marked the anniversary of my dad passing away. This year seemed to be much better than last year and when I thought about some of the crazy things we used to do, I found myself chuckling. The day had begin on a positive path, but ended on a sad one. On my way home from work I received a call from my son saying that his close friend had passed away early in the day. It is always said when someone passes away, but especially sad when that someone is so young. Since first meeting my son's friend when they were in grade one, I have always though what an amazing young man he was. He was a very friendly and happy individual and what I remember most is his eagerness to experiencing new things. This may not sound so unusual or amazing until you know that this young man had Muscular Dystrophy. Things were more challenging for him and each accomplishment was a good reason to celebrate. Today we attended the funeral to celebrate the life of this young man. So often we take life for granted and don't really appreciate the treasures we have in our family and friends. I plan to hug my sons often and enjoy our times together.

Patience

As I read through other blogs, I find myself really relating to them, but there was one that really spoke to me at at this particular time due to some personal health and injury issues I have been trying to work through. Some of those injury issues are as a result of, for many years, not list

I accept when others have injuries and take care while they are healing, but I have very little patience with myself when it comes to working wisely through an injury. When I was younger I didn't pay attention when I heard those words of wisdom ..."if you don't slow down and take care of yourself, you are going to pay for it when you get older". I now know what they were trying to tell me, but I wish I would have listened then. I am having hip and lower spine issues that are getting far worse, rather than better. My hip is not the only probelm area, but it is the one that is screaming at me the most right now. I find after classes, I am guaranteed that I will have very little sleep for at least a couple of nights following. I do not traditionally get a lot of sleep at best and these restless nights are definitely taking their toll.

I admire how those around me are in such good shape and working so hard and in my eyes, seem to be able to do anything. I often hear myself saying "I should be able to do that, I could before". No one wants to admit that they are getting older and their body, in many instances, may not be able to do what it did years ago. As my father used to say "you are not getting older... you are getting better. The key is to never give up and enjoy the challenge of finding what works for each of us." What a wise man he was.

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