About a month ago I received a phone call from a friend who works for the Los Angeles School District. She was asking for help. She is a psychologist who takes care of children that are growing up in difficult circumstances, and who have very little to no support from their families. She told me the story of one of her patients who she felt would benefit greatly from participating in our Aikido classes. Since the conditions at the child's home are very poor, she wanted to know whether we offer any scholarships. I said that it will be our pleasure to have this child enrolled in our children class at no cost.
What an energetic and sweet kid she is. It's been a few weeks since she started training, and we were hoping that someone would have a "hand-me-down" Gi (uniform) to give her—yet, nobody had a Gi her size.
This morning, one of the Dojo parents approached me and asked whether the new student had a Gi yet. When I answered that so far we didn't find one for her, the parent handed me some money, saying: "This is for a Gi".
My heart widened and a feeling of appreciation for this deed of compassion totally washed me.
Our Dojo environment and the kids classes may be the only rays of light in this girl's life.
A good deed like this reflects on our Dojo community—and shines, so brightly.
Thank you, dear parent, I bow to your kindness and compassion.
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