Bronze!

My little grand nephew James came away from the Ontario Open International Jiu-Jitsu Championships today with a Bronze medal! Divisions were for all ages(starting at 4 years old), belts and weight classes. 

James of course was in the kids competition and as there weren't
that many kids in his age group competing, I was able to get there in the morning for all of his event and still make it to the funeral of our friend and former neighbour Gary in the afternoon. 

The funeral was a wonderful tribute to Gary. The church was packed; there was not an empty seat. Gary's life had touched so many more people than I had  realized. His three grown children each spoke of their father in very articulate and very moving speeches creating a picture a truly loving father, who enriched their lives, a man who spent his life trying to make life easier and happier for others. The pastor had grown up with Gary, so his part of the service had a really personal touch as he knew him so well and had stories of his own to tell about their childhood days. Referring to his own experiences and the words of Gary's children, he then spoke on the theme of legacy...Gary's and our own. Gary left an honourable legacy. How do we want to be remembered, and are we on the right track to becoming that person? I think there was something for everyone to ponder after that funeral.

It was a busy day and my sister and I are both beat! Whew! We are taking it easy tonight, recovering by the fire, planning some outings for the week come. Tomorrow there is a Studio Tour in a neighbouring community that we would like to check out - weather permitting. Sounds good. Surely there will be blip-ops!