Transforming lives

A few days ago my wife commented on how we are transforming the lives of those who train at the school. To drive this point home, today one of the moms informed me that her child will no longer need physical therapy because his karate training has helped him progress to the point where therapy isn't required. To realize that I was part of this process is amazing and humbling.
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Captivating Facades

Occasionally as I walk through Manhattan certain things or places will resonate with me. This building, The Lucerne on 79th and Amsterdam has been calling to me for some time now. It has amazing architecture and detail no longer seen on buildings. Its very reminiscent of the building that houses the Petrossian, on 58th but not on the same level of detail. The color is a fantastic burnt sienna that is a stark contrast to everything around it on a sunny afternoon.
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Conflict resolution.

As I sit here in the waiting area of family court, I am struck with a feeling of helplessness, anger,and despair. I know these aren't real but rather created by my perceptions of potential loss and damage. While this is a visceral feeling, I know that above it all everything will work out. I know it sounds optimistic of me, but it's who I am.
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Anxious

Im anxious today because Im close to finishing my book, at least the first of several books in progress. I realize that I didnt do this earlier because I had a fear of success that hindered my writing. Now that I am almost at the end there are a few conflicting emotions: anxiety, excitement,relief, a sense of accomplishment and most of all gratitude. I still dont have the eneding, but like the rest of the book im sure when the time comes to end it, it will present the ending to me.

My writing cave

I'm currently working on my book and this is my writing cave. Every chance I get I go to the only one in my neighborhood(79th and 37th ave) and get a few pages in. The first book of the series is almost done and another book has been started. With the exception of Domas in manhattan, I haven't found another place like this one to write in. The energy, the people and the interactions actually make it easy to put pen to paper. Or finger to keyboard.
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Time passes

Its been a little over a week since my mom passed away. As sad as I was by her passing, the week did have joyful moments. I was able to spend time with my family. My sister who I don't see often enough spent a week over and we reflected how many families only seem to come together in death(the passing of a loved one) and we promised to transform that about our family. My brother and I were able to bond, and I sadly recognized that it took my mom passing away to cause that. We reminisced about our mom, told war stories, and had heart to heart talks with the upcoming younger generation( the house was invaded by young folk).

I realized that as the eldest son, I am now the leader of our family cell. It felt odd at times and then perfectly natural at others. I still have moments when I say to myself, " I have to tell mom that." Then it comes rushing back that I won't be hearing her anymore. Those are sad moments. Each day I make a little more peace with her physical absence, knowing that she has left an incredible legacy in each of her children. She may gone, but she will never be forgotten.
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