Today, my son tests for his black belt. I have been shuttling him from class to class, for 3 years and 3 months. It’s been a constant in our lives, three nights a week…even when school’s in session, when he choses to play baseball, or family functions are going on for everyone else.
I went with him for his first round of testing. Ran his two mile test with him in solidarity that I supported all of his hard work and effort so far. Today I will go and worry as he spars until he can physically move no more. I will pray as he is asked to demonstrate on command any of his demanding Tae Kwon Do forms. I will hide my eyes as he is called to break a brick. And I will stand proud with him at the end. I know he will do his best. I know he will focus on the end result. I know that he will perform with honesty, modesty, integrity and respect. And I know that he has built within him an indomitable spirit that will do anything he sets his mind to.
Over these last three years, he has learned to be dedicated to his training. He has done things that most 11 year old boys don’t consider. He has conditioned his mind and his body. I could not be more proud of him today as he goes through this 3 hour intense test, because I know that at the end of the day. He will have EARNED his first black belt.