Ooh… this video took two months to create. Maybe longer? And then patiently waiting for the right moment to launch it so all your friends can see what a bad-ass you are.
I did have to wait until Sweeney Todd was finished. And when I was in town.
And when we actually had 10 minutes for me to SHOW IT TO YOU so I could get the benefit of seeing your face. Since I launched your first day of school video and I didn’t get a real-time reaction. I did appreciate the comment on my post though for that video.
And I’m glad I waited for you to see it. You loved it. You gave me a big hug. Made me happy.
Sam’s comments after watching this… “Damn, he’s good. He should do that again.”
I knew I couldn’t just post a 7m video. There was no way anyone would sit through it. So I had to cut it, and cut it, and change the music, and then realize I needed 3 different versions for IG, FB, and then I also really wanted to post on LI because I was so dang proud of you. Also I had the perfect text.
I posted this one on YouTube too but it’s blocked because of the music. Alas.
I’m having fun. I hope you are having fun. It’s been a tough few weeks but I see you soaking in the good moments while struggling through the pain.
As we all are.
Sigh.
But watching you through those 10 years of Taekwondo was so soothing for my Mama heart.
I am sentimental, yes. But we put you into TWD at 4 years old. We wanted to build yours skills of listening and focusing, and make sure you were rewarded as you progressed.
It took a full two years before you started understanding the smoothness of the moves.
Oh, and remembering how you used to do jumping jacks… SO PRECIOUS.
The Grandma’s always got you to practice when they had their day with you. You went 3-4 times a week. JJ always used to joke you would order her around, and tell her which streets to take (and not the freeway, it was too slow!).
You couldn’t be late! Master Kim would be disappointed.
And I treasured – and laughed – at the HOURS we GOT to spend in the Esperanza gym during the entire ceremony. JJ and I dancing up in the rafters to the Korean music. Master Kim laughing at us.
I watched hours of those videos to get to that 7 minutes. We had a lot of your “failures” to break boards in our photo storage.
Those were tough to watch.
But you would bite your lip and try it again. Sometimes Master Kim would come over and give you some reassurance and “make” you try it again. You got it done. It took a few tries sometimes.
But you always tried again.
Covid was challenging. You practiced in our garage, alone, on zoom for months.
Watching the past videos of your first black belt ceremony, your 2nd, and then the 3rd during Covid? Hurtful. You had HUGE hugs for Master Kim the first two times. The proud feeling of “running the lines” and giving a high-five to everyone.
Yet, Covid just gave you a thumbs up and a nod of the head.
But you came through stronger and earned that 3rd Degree Black Belt.
That discipline has showed up in so many ways from what you work on now. Your college applications, commitment to learning lines in your latest play, your hard work to complete the Eagle Scout award, and finish off your IB Diploma.
Some of it is on your own time and path. But you are getting it done. It might be that last minute but it still happens.
This was part of what made you the person you are today. And I’m so proud to see it.
I hope this teaches you that NOW is always a good time to start something new. It may take time but if you keep showing up, you can achieve anything.
Love you so much.
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