I just left an old friend’s house. I had not seen him in over a decade but I needed to reach out.
Two days ago he lost his daughter to a drunk driver.
After inviting me in he recounted the past two days. The whirlwind of emotions. And of course, I just listened.
Then after an hour or so he started recalling the old training days. His daughter was a student of mine and so was he.
He started talking about students he had taught back then and the joy of seeing them change. He described one student he remembered in particular. How the young man had come in with his head down, weak and depressed. Then how after so many months how strong and confident he was.
I didn’t remember the young man but I’ve seen the story a thousand times. And every time it brings me joy.
He then told me stories about what his Shou’ Shu’ had done for him over the years.
He was smiling and laughing.
Just remembering how it felt to help others and how it felt to feel strong brought him an hour of joy in a very dark day.
I was and am very grateful to be able to be part of that.