This week presented the challenge of compressing 5800 sq. ft. academy/second home and almost 27 years into a modest 10×15 storage unit. I liken it to the natural birth of our 9lb 2oz baby. While the later culminated with embracing a gleaming cherub, the former not nearly as attractive, both seem to have defied the possible and given a great sense of triumph. Although we premeditated well ahead of time the contracting of these past few weeks, the forethought did not make it any less agonizing.
The arduous process of sorting through administration has a way of pulling you out of the emotional and into the rational. There is no sentimentality in sorting through ancient receipts and maturing paperwork. Although, I will say that the stacks of paper set for destruction and shredding gave a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Just like a home, one seems to expand into the space, and we sure did at PAMA. I have been known to be zealous when it comes to shedding and giving away unnecessary items. There is a certain sense of bliss in that it for me. (Anyone need any picture frames?)
As you can tell from the video, the collections and collections of martial arts weaponry (all of which are NOT included here), personal equipment, books, and memorabilia are immense. I am thankful that we all share the same enthusiasm for the Martial Arts so the collections will continue to be appreciated. After moving everything into storage our daughter’s only protest was that she wanted her wooden dummy back!
For Rick, I applaud him for his poise and grace as we undressed the walls of his numerous certificates, honors, and magazine articles. All of which must have given him pause, as it did me, to deconstruct a lifetime of accomplishment and dedication. Stripping not just the physical but also, the attachment that is held in all of the honors and titles that he rightfully earned through years of sweat and determination. I admired one last time the wall of his honored instructors/teachers and stood in awe at the boxes and boxes of private lessons and seminars videos that he has retained as well as his massive amounts of personal notebooks.
Interestingly, as we delicately packed the moving truck with collectables, weapons, historical martial arts periodicals and photographic memories one would anticipate sadness but there was lots of laughter and our hearts were light. It is freeing in a way to know that the “stuff” is just material items and really does not define us.
In closing, I would like to quote one of Ricks all time favorite artists Paul McCartney from one of his solo albums. It is very fitting for Rick at this time.
“It’s the same me that stands here now
When I think that all this stuff
Can make a life that’s pretty hard to take it in, that was me”
Living Wherever We Are 
Well put! Moving is supposed to be one of the most stressful things in life. It’s such a great thing, though, as you can evaluate what you really have, and what you truly need. Daunting task to say the least…
The grace with which you navigate such a momentous period in your lives is nothing short of inspiring. Considering how brief my time with you was, I am barely a blip amidst all of that accomplishment but I am damn proud to be a blip. If the wind should lead you towards Somerville on Saturday the 7th, I will be celebrating the release of my first album and my first graphic novel at Dragonfly Music & Coffee Café. It is a living room atmosphere and I would be so pleased to see your lovely little family. Either way, many good wishes to you in your new journey.
Stuff and things don’t define you. The walls are looking a little bare nowadays but the memories will last forever.
As you note, the “stuff” does not truly define you, but, like family photos (and indeed, much of what adorned the walls of PAMA were family photos), the pictures, quotes, weapons and art helped provide touchstones to the journeys that all who trained there shared: watching the current changes on the walls, and in the halls has brought many memories to mind – of training, of the people who have passed through, of the familiarity and, in a sense, comfort that coming to the academy through all the years, weather, and personal changes brought: inside those walls was a special place. One lesson that Sifu taught me very early is that the study of the martial arts is a personal journey, whose fundamental purpose is one of personal discovery and growth: that in the end, the work, challenges, and knowledge gained are solely the provenance of the individual, to be shared perhaps, but ultimately your responsibility alone. On all good journeys, the road signs and scenery will change many times before it is complete, but the fundamental purpose of setting out on the path – to learn, to discover, to experience, to grow – does not. And as you pack away “the stuff” and set out on this next part of the path, this is one more lesson being shared.
Wow. That’s the only thing I can think at the moment. It takes a special individual to realize that the sum of their being resides within, especially at a time like this. Rick, you are an extremely powerful person but I’m glad you have a wonderful support team and family, especially at a time like this. All the best to Rick, Mary Jo, and Ilaria – congratulations on taking an amazing new step together towards the future!
I am truly jealous – no “stuff” – you are really free! Family, friends and memories are what it’s all about. How exciting, a new life, enjoy it!
We no stuff is not exactly accurate yet. Just out of site out of mind!