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 