Cheers

In my elementary school, all the sixth grade classes would come together to do a Christmas show every year. My class did a dance to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I think I got in the most practice with the dance because I rode the bus and I rode on the "second load". That only meant I had to stay at school another hour before the bus would pull back into the parking lot to take us home. So, there I was in the classroom with nothing to do except practice that dance (along with a few others). The night of the big performance I was late. I was very late. Mom couldn't take me because she was sick, so my Aunt Dian took me. As I finally walked through the door of my classroom to get ready to go to the gym, I was cheered. I had never been cheered before, and like now, I don't like being the center of attention (it makes me nervous). But there were my classmates cheering. I felt important.

Why do I bring it up? Last nights Tae Kwon Do graduation. I have to admit I was not that nervous at first. But when I stood up to do my form (with Chloe) I became very nervous. By the end of my form, my hands were shaking and it took me a while to catch my breath after sitting down.

I had plenty of time to catch my breath because we had a lot of students there. We graduated one Little Dragon, who got a patch not a belt. We had six colored belts graduate to a higher belt. One first time First Degree Black Belt, he did an awesome job with all three of his forms. Three graduated to Second Degree Black Belts, one to Third Degree Black Belt and one to a Fourth Degree Black Belt! It was an incredible night.

Jesse nor Chloe mid-termed this time but they did their weapons forms to the point of what they had learned. They also did their TKD form. Both of them did so well and were so polite that MM even commented on it while Jesse was doing her weapons form. They carried on a conversation while she was doing it! I was impressed she could talk and do that form (two numchucks at once, going in different directions).

We finally got to the board breaks, which was very exciting! Most of the men did running kicks over three obstacles which always makes it fun, especially if you've never seen it before like some of my students. One of our 2nds finally did her continuous kicks breaking both boards without putting her foot down. Graduation is always a good time to do that. She was very proud as she should have been.

But when MM finally got to my new Second Degree Black Belt and called my name I truly did not expect the uproar of cheers that I received. I was humbled. I do not just see these people as other students but as our extended family. They are supportive, kind and loving to all of us and that loud burst of supportive expression truly touched me. And after John's very loving and supportive words about my struggles with TKD it was all I could do not to cry again. I love those people and I adore my husband.

And even more wonderful than that was after everything was over one of our white belts (then a fresh yellow belt) came near me. I told her she did a great job and she just flung her arms around my waist giving me a huge bear hug while smiling up at me. She was just so excited and proud. She really did do a great job. I told her I would probably be teaching her next session and started jumping up and down (yes, she was still hugging me). So, sweet. Is teaching TKD hard? Yes, for me it is quite difficult. But the rewards of seeing the students progress and move up is wonderful.