#2 son was my problem child in high school. He was an outstanding athlete, one of the best wrestlers in Missouri. He just didn’t put any effort into class work. Things have changed, and he’s now taking college classes.
He is a police officer. He has been involved in martial arts for about four years, and works out quite a bit. Last year, he was awarded his black belt in judo by Phil Porter, also known as O-Sensei. Porter has coached Olympic teams, and is the man in US Judo.
Last week, #2 got his black belt in ju-jitsu. It was an intense test, and the Master testing him ran him through the wringer, demanding proficiency in 65 throws. He is pretty tired in this photo, awaiting the tea ceremony:
Here he is standing tall:
I worry more about him in his job than I do for his two brothers fighting wars. Being a cop has unexpected dangers.
I’m pretty proud of my boys.
You should be.
Comment by Rob A. — June 2, 2004 @ 7:28 pm
Congratulations to your son! He sounds like an impressive young man!
I agree with you on worrying more about him being a police officer. With retirement looming, my husband contacted the state police for a recruitment packet last year. I told him, I married a soldier and was willing to follow him around the world for as long as he wanted to continue being a soldier. However, I just wasn’t cut from a special enough cloth to be a policeman’s wife. It’s hard enough when he deploys and the fear and worry. I couldn’t go through that every single day he left for work. Thankfully he understood and is willing to look at other career fields. I admire those who do this hard job and the families that love them and live under that kind of fear. I’m just not strong enough to do it after life as a military wife. I’m ready not to worry….ok, so I’m a professional worrier. I’m ready to try not worry as much ha!
Sorry to ramble. Congratulations again to your son. Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. To have three wonderful sons, you must be a great father. You have much to be proud of!
Comment by Shannon — June 3, 2004 @ 1:24 am
Awesome! Well done, #2!!
Comment by Sarah — June 3, 2004 @ 10:51 am