Honor

This year I have had the extreme honor of attending services for the passing for four very special and loved people. They were all well into their eighties and nineties. This fact humbled and amazed me.As I approach forty six, I have begun to accept the reality of my own mortality. I find myself asking, “What is the key to a long and prosperous life?”. After hearing eulogies for these four individuals, I realized they all shared many great qualities. They were all very giving and unselfish people. They possessed great faith in God. They believed in good family values. They were simple souls who did not put great value on material things. They passionately gave to their communities and country. They represented an era when their word was upheld without compromise. They were conservative and never wasted. They never took anyone or anything for granted. They were loyal and trustworthy. They were greatly respected, loved and admired by family, friends and associates. They were not judgmental people. They lived humble lives. They worked hard and never complained. They exemplified integrity and the true sense of pride. I realize many of the qualities they all had in common, we strive to teach in the martial arts. I was even more honored to recognize this. I will continue to do my best to teach and live by these values. God willing, I will be blessed with a long and prosperous life.Respectfully, Professor Brannon Beliso