In Memoriam

 

 

Ten years have passed…

 

This is a story about a little boy who asked his mommy if he could ask Sensei the question; “May I join the Aikido class?”

The little boy was encouraged by his mommy to do so and as she led him to stand before the Sensei the little boy did indeed ask the question and Sensei smiled and simply replied; “How old are you now?”

The little boy smiled back and stated proudly: “I am six years old.”

The Sensei said with an apologetic tone in his voice; “Oh! I am sorry but I only accept children who are ten years and older.”

As the little boy looked away with a sad, slightly disappointed look on his face said; “oh…I am not old enough.” As his mommy comforted the little boy with a gentle hand on his shoulder and a soft facial expression of slight disappointment as well…

Sensei quickly replied; “When will you be seven?”

The little boy quickly said; “My birthday is in August.”

Sensei then said to the little boy; “Because your etiquette is very excellent, I will allow you to join when you turn 7.”

The little boy looked up and with a smile as big as the Colorado Mountains said; “Thank you Sensei.” The little boy happily walked away with his mommy giving him words of encouragement that soon; he too will be old enough to begin his training in Aikido along with the other members of the group.

 

Ten years after…

 

For the little boy who asked the question and is no longer physically able to attend Aikido classes on this earthly plane, now comes his younger brother ten years after, to fulfil the dream and train in Aikido on his older brother’s behalf.

 

The little boy’s dream is realized through the actions of his younger brother and both are with us today as we all study O’ Sensei precious gift to the world.

 

As we struggle to bring ourselves to class regularly, please remember the little boy who comes when his younger brother comes and together may we all deepen our gratitude for being able to train one more time together on this earthly plane because we are capable of doing so.

 

 

The little boy: Steven Anthony Powell August 27, 1990-August 4,1997

The younger brother: Taylor Cortland Medeiros September 6, 2000-

The Sensei: Vernon Anthony Medeiros 1952-

The Mommy: Valerie Anne Powell 1961-