My daughter and I had a nice long walk today. The weather wasn't too hot, so I also walked on my lunch break. Later today I took my daughter to her first traditional Karate lesson. I can't type the style because for some reason Spark People thinks that Shi-to-Ryu is a curse word. She has balance issues so it was hard for her, but she didn't give up, had a positive spirit and kept trying. This investment wasn't something that I planned and it will be very hard on my already tight budget. There is no price you can put on peace of mind, and I am hopeful that these lessons will teach her how to defend herself, build her self confidence and help her work at being successful in every area of her life.

There is nothing I wouldn't do to insure that I do all that I can to make sure my daughter has the tools she needs to be successful in life. It has always been my goal to give her all the things I wish my parents had done for me. I'm going to have to continue to work hard to make sure I take care of all of my obligations. I look at it as an investment that will pay dividends in a healthier, structured and disciplined lifestyle for my daughter. I'm tired, but I hemmed her Gi pants tonight, because she's a shortie at 4'11. I chose this traditional Karate sensei over the Takewondo master that I learned from because he made a strong impression on me. I met him at the station where I work. He came in for an interview about one of his special needs students competing in a national tournament.

As I spoke with him I felt like he had a lot of patience and wisdom. I had just been thinking the night before about taking my daughter to my former master, but I met this guy and there was something special about him. An inner glow of peace and calm that made me feel secure with trusting him to teach my child. As he left the station I told him about how I was already thinking about sending my daughter to lessons, and he told me that there are no coincidences in life. Sometimes God sends you people to make your path easier.

This left a deep impression on me and I'm impressed with his success in teaching kids that aren't physically gifted. I have always been a very physical person even though I'm heavy. My daughter has always struggled with physical activities but she has never failed to get a 100% in any gym class because she tries her hardest and does not give up. I couldn't be more proud of her and I feel like I have been blessed with the best kid ever. I have no complaints. Now I plan to sit back, support her and watch her bloom into the strong flower I know that she can become.