Well, I recently returned from a really nice time in….Vegas. Yes, old Vegas, the “ninth island”, favorite destination of local folks, especially the older folks using Vacations Hawaii. Except, I didn’t use Vacations Hawaii or stay “downtown” or go primarily for the gambling. Actually, I went to accompany my son…honest! He was there for a traffic engineering software seminar and since his wife couldn’t go, for just $700, I was able to go along. It was really great…terrific accommodations at Caesars with a front row view of the Bellagio, Paris, and Planet Hollywood from our room. I spent most of my days (Matt was at the seminar most days) walking and exploring the sights on the Strip. Evenings, we ate dinner and talked, smoked cigars and talked, and I was able to finish reading two books during the trip.

I had a lot of time for reflection during the week, and a lot of time to catch up talking with Matt. Looking back, I remember the first time I ever saw my son, a tiny helpless baby who brought home the miracle of life that God has implanted in each of us. Lynne and I felt such a great sense of responsibility for this young life and so many of our hopes and dreams were wrapped up in this little infant. At the time, we lived in California, thousands of miles away from the rest of the families. I was amazed by his total dependence upon us for everything and hoped that we would prove worthy of the title, “mom and dad”. Like any new parent, I hoped for so many good things for him. I envisioned him growing up into a child that I could teach basketball and karate, one that would read and discuss the same books as I, I pictured attending his college graduation, a successful career (doing something he liked and making a decent living at it), and one day, establishing a family of his own.

Thirty three years later, and I am so amazed at how things have turned out, and how many of our prayers were answered. That little baby became an active child, asking endless questions; a gangly teen who dutifully trained up to a brown belt in karate, who became an extremely good musician/singer/songwriter; a very competent engineer with a graduate degree and professional license in his field of study, blessed with a fulfilling and challenging career; happily married to a beautiful and intelligent woman; living comfortably in their Waikele home. Our favorite activity together over the last ten years has been playing one-on-one basketball and smoking the occasional cigar. The only drawback is that nowadays, I’m lucky to see him every few weeks, as his wife, work, and music keep him very busy. Both he and his sister, however, have attained that goal which I think most fathers wish for their offspring (a la the Manning boys)…that our children lead happy, fulfilling lives, that they surpass our own accomplishments, and most importantly, that they become good, solid people. As usual, I wax too much, philosophically, eh?

Ah well, it was a nice week in cool weather, enjoying the company and intellect of my equal and good friend…my son (I’m fortunate in that he still patiently listens to the “wisdom” and advice I habitually share with him, haha). I am similarly blessed with a gifted and accomplished daughter, who I also get to talk story with, as a parent, mentor and friend. I like to think that we have tried our best to nuture and support these lives that were entrusted to us so long ago and that they now walk their own adult paths, with faith and confidence. Just like seedlings…we planted, we watered, we fertilized, we weeded, we pruned, etc;…but the we really can’t take credit for these fruitful trees…we didn’t create the sun, nor the soil, nor the water, nor even the seeds. But we certainly tried our best to partner with the Creator, and we are so pleased with the results. I hope He is too.

In the same way, when we are together in the karate ministry or karate dojo, each of us is actively participating in a close partnership. A partnership with each other, and even more so, a partnership with Him. Each of us has a slightly different role that may change with time, but individually and as a dynamic group, we strive to be better and to help/share with others. After all is said and done, however, it is He, who created our potential. During the course of diligent training, it is He, who reveals life’s truths to us. Senseis and sempais may be teaching and sharing, yet, in the end, they discover that it is they were taught in return. My hope always, is that He, the Father of everyone and everything, is pleased with how each of us turns out….when we finally grow up.