Letter To A Long-Ago Sensei
I was struck this morning by the curious urge to write this to a woman who once taught me Aikido.
Martha Sensei,
I don't know if you'll remember me or not. I was one of your early students when you taught classes at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center some 18 years ago or so. My name is Tom. I was an energetic, unfocused kid who dabbled in Gymnastics and Acting when I was taking your classes off and on for a few years. I also went to a seminar taught by your wonderful Saotome Sensei. We learned of Polio Cats.
Why Am I writing you? Honestly, there's no special reason other than that I still spare you thoughts frequently, and some of your wisdom has stuck with me through the years, even though I never quite had the discipline to keep up with Aikido.
I remember your humor, your dedication, and what you told us all about how there in life there really are no escapes. The latter I've definiately found to be true, though I mocked it in my head at the time.
I don't know how often you hear from former students who didn't stick with their training, but whether it is frequent or sparse, I guess I just wanted to take the time to tell you I've turned out okay. I've traveled the world, lived in Kyoto for a year, gotten a degree in Japanese, work in a hospital, and will be married in a couple of months. It all goes quick.
Don't feel like you have to write me back, though I'd be thrilled if you did.
Thank you Martha, for making such a huge difference in my life in the tiny bit of it that you were a part of.
I hope this finds you well.
-Tom
Martha Sensei,
I don't know if you'll remember me or not. I was one of your early students when you taught classes at the Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center some 18 years ago or so. My name is Tom. I was an energetic, unfocused kid who dabbled in Gymnastics and Acting when I was taking your classes off and on for a few years. I also went to a seminar taught by your wonderful Saotome Sensei. We learned of Polio Cats.
Why Am I writing you? Honestly, there's no special reason other than that I still spare you thoughts frequently, and some of your wisdom has stuck with me through the years, even though I never quite had the discipline to keep up with Aikido.
I remember your humor, your dedication, and what you told us all about how there in life there really are no escapes. The latter I've definiately found to be true, though I mocked it in my head at the time.
I don't know how often you hear from former students who didn't stick with their training, but whether it is frequent or sparse, I guess I just wanted to take the time to tell you I've turned out okay. I've traveled the world, lived in Kyoto for a year, gotten a degree in Japanese, work in a hospital, and will be married in a couple of months. It all goes quick.
Don't feel like you have to write me back, though I'd be thrilled if you did.
Thank you Martha, for making such a huge difference in my life in the tiny bit of it that you were a part of.
I hope this finds you well.
-Tom