Domo Aregato

There is always one person who changes your life for the greater good. One who reminds you of your capabilities and true potential. One who stands behind you even when you're at your weakest point in your life and gives you that extra push, not demanding, but gently, ready to catch you when you fall and to lift you up and get you moving again.

During my training thus far, there were times I wanted to circum to my weaknesses and fatigue, feeling utter defeat over not being able to be perfect. And each and every time, I was thrown back into the ring. That towel being taken away from me before I was ready to throw it in. Not by a physical push, by gentle words of wisdom and insight from an outsider's point of view.

There were instances where I felt physically and mentally incapable of going to my classes due to stress building from days of being a stay at home mom. But I was always reminded why I was doing what I was doing, reminded of the love I have for my renewed passion, reminded how far I've come so far and also reminded of the results of my labours.

Years ago when I had transformed into someone else, not myself, this is when I was reminded of my great first true love. I was taken to an awesome performance, the Shaolin Monks. This performance reminded me what proper training, determination and love for an art could achieve.

Today I want to thank you. Thank you for standing by me and believing in me when I lost my faith. Thank you for gently pushing me to be the better person you know I am capable of. Thank you for picking me up when I feel weak and not able to go on. And thank you so much for being my partner in life, not only do I have a wonderful loving husband, but I have a best friend who not only teaches me the difference between right and wrong through your own actions but someone I can confide in and knowing you will be honest with me even when the truth hurts.

Thank you Rob, for being you. Without you, I would never have started down this path of healing, love and better understanding of myself.