Master Fariborz:
I wanted to send you a note to thank you for the very special time I have been afforded at TKC. I did NOT give you a flower, because a) I figured you would probably get enough to begin your own flower shop, and b) I wanted to send a more personal – and longer-lasting – letter of appreciation.
You are an imposing person. This is coming from a person who has actually had people try to KILL him (not figuratively – literally) on more than one occasion. You can, on occasion, be downright scary.
But that, I think, is a testament to your individual sense of self worth, your martial arts prowess, and your own awareness of your place in the universe. You are imposing in much the same way mountains are imposing: they are there, they are planted, and there is not one darn thing you can do about it. And if you are stupid enough to try to “beat” a mountain, you will surely lose. A person may climb a mountain and enjoy the scenery, but taking it on in single combat? An exercise in futile stupidity.
At the same time, however, you have shown me great kindness. You have given me an opportunity to practice an art that has come to mean a great deal to me. You have allowed me to come into your office and bother you with my repeated questions on issues that I was not clear about. You have indulged my sense of humor – even during classes, when I would joke with you.
Most of all, you have invited me to become part of your TKC family. This is something you do for everyone, I know, but that actually makes it something of more worth, doesn”t it? You are open to all, and offer sanctuary and safety to those who choose to make TKC a kind of second home.
I personally have never felt the need for a second home: my first one is more than I can handle as it is . But in the two years I have been at TKC, I can only count a handful of times that I have felt anything less than respected, appreciated, and loved.
The attitudes of an organization do tend to “flow down” from the top. And so I must assume that at least some of the reason for this fact is the result of your work.
So thank you, sir. I have appreciated becoming a Certified Black Belt at TKC. I hope I have done TKC – and you – proud in return, and I look forward to pursuing my second degree with you as well.
With much love and appreciation,