Today I am thankful for my life.
For it has been good and bad,
but through my journeys in karate,
the navy, and in life itself;
the bad times made me stronger.
I wanted to be an artist go to Blackhawk College for my AA,
go to the Chicago Art institute for my BA,
and go to the University of Prague for my MA;
but instead I joined the Navy served on a Battleship,
held three ratings a Boatswains mate, Cook, and Master at Arms,
traveled the world, explored, met different people,
learned about different cultures.
While I was in I earned 3 associates degrees AS Culinary Arts,
AAS General Education, and a AA in Business.
When I got out I earned a BA in Art from WIU,
a BA in Theology, and a MA in Sociology.
I got married before my first cross rate to MS
at an apple orchard in Stanwood Washington.
Which we, Jill and I, are still married today after 30 years.
We had Timmy and Kenny who grew up in a happy home.
Then on top of that I had a long karate journey
which started at age 10.
A karate journey full of struggles as a strived to learn basics, techniques, forms and kata's.
From my white belt through the kyu ranks and to my dan ranks
I keep going up through my promotions in spite of many injuries
acquired in the navy and in the martial arts,
now at a 9th dan red belt I strive to complete the circle to my
10th dan grandmasters white belt;
starting with white ending with white - full circle.
And in life itself as I have been bullied, called names, put down,
stepped on, overcoming death of a son, a house fire, been in fights,
been kicked, beaten, knocked unconscious, fought in combat,
been injured, knocked down a ladderwell, yet always overcame.
No matter the curve balls of life, the anger, frustration, pain,
I came out strong; and now on a new journey as my wife and I prepare to move to New Mexico
and start the last chapter of
our life's as we retire, travel the states and the world together,
and one day raise horses on our ranch.
And hope my legacy will live on.
Today I am thankful for my life.
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