On His Way to Blackbelt

Spencer made his commitment to become a blackbelt yesterday.  This means three more years of hard work and daily practice.  He is excited, and I am a proud Momma (who can drive to the karate studio in her sleep!).

Spencer has been studying karate for over a year.  Yesterday, he had his picture taken for placement on a special display at the studio.  Demonstrating his kicks, punches, and weapons, Spencer posed for many pictures while I wrote a check for the sitting fee.  I didn't mind.  Karate has been transformative for Spencer, and for me.

Spencer began karate when he was struggling to keep his head up.  Never a child to be brimming with confidence and wide smiles, Spencer was depressed for no known reason.  He cried a lot.  No one-- despite our best efforts-- knew why or what to do.  Hugs and kisses weren't enough.  I didn't want to try any sort of medication.  My parents were kind enough to offer karate lessons; something Spencer was very interested in, but too expensive for our budget.  Spencer embraced it: practicing almost every day, getting very nervous before every practice, and becoming upset whenever he made a mistake in class.  Still, he loved it and still does.  There is something about karate.  Is it the shouting?  The military style discipline?  The running, kicking, punching?  The high flying sidekicks?  The kind, patient teachers who are not too much older than himself?  Whatever it is, it works for Spencer. 

In the past year, Spencer has become ever so much more happy with himself.  It could be the move to homeschooling, more time outside, or any number of other factors in addition to karate.  I don't care.  He recently told me that he is trying to choose to be happy.  I notice that he no longer looks away when unfamiliar people (read: not immediate family) speak to him.  He looks people in the eye and responds to their questions.  He holds the microphone and speaks in front of our church congregation when asked.  He tries to handle his frustrations in more productive ways: taking breaks to play outside instead of crying.  He spends a lot of time reading Calvin & Hobbes books and creating his own jokes.  Although Spencer still struggles from time to time with overwhelming emotions and a bit of grumpiness, he is a different boy than he was a year and a half ago.  He told me that he thought he might be a good karate teacher.  

Last Sunday in church, Spencer made a card for me.  The first line is the first time I've ever known him to say these words:



I am one happy Momma.