I think the older we get we forget what is really like to be little.  Remember when chairs were big, tables were tall, and doorknobs were high?  Imagine being barely five and being summoned into a 9th degree black belt Grandmaster’s office.  It was incredibly intimidating for me, and I’m 46.  Our little one was being awarded her green belt without even belt testing.  Forgive a proud mama; she is the only girl in her class and she more than holds her own.  As she continues her journey I am beginning my own in taekwondo, and I am loving every minute.  My daddy used to say the two saddest words were “if only.”  I do not want to look back and wish I had tried.  I do not want to say I am too old or I cannot do it.  I CAN!  I love the mental challenges and heaven knows I need the exercise physically.  I have told my daughter to never want to stop learning.  The key in that sentence is “want” — to desire or have a need.  The love of learning is a lifelong pursuit and a joy.  The American writer Anthony J. D’Angelo said, “Develop a passion for learning.  If you do, you will never cease to grow.”  I have a passion for writing, wolves, history, environmental protection, reading, and martial arts just to name a few.  Among other things my husband has a passion for geography, history, and politics.  My daughter is only beginning to unlock the key to learning, and she has realized with great jubilation it really is everything.  The more she can read, the more she understands.  The more she understands, the more she learns.  The more she learns, the more she wants to share that with others as well as implement it for the enrichment of her own life.  For her it now applies to reading, writing, math, science, church, singing, animals, nature, and martial arts.  She wants to learn about the Bible, dinosaurs, the ocean, and every animal on the planet.  Admittedly both my husband and I share those loves and so many more.  I want her to spread her wings and soar.  Whatever she pursues I just ask that she do it wholeheartedly and to the best of her ability:  that is what my father asked of me.  I try to always seek, and I am thankful to watch my girl begin her own quest.