Fencing

I picked up Fencing last June. I dunno, the idea of playing with a sharp object was immediately appealing.

Generally, as long as I am in town, I fence Friday after work. It's offered through Miami-Dade parks & rec at a very reasonable cost. What is most interesting is it actually for kids with disabilities, but they let me join in. The Fencing instructor is an Olympian from Cuba. He's wonderful. He works with each kid (and me) at their own level. For me, it means he teaches me new stuff as soon as I begin to get one skill down. I actually could compete, where as this is another form of therapy for many of the kids.

Most of the kids are in elementary school & their disabilities span the spectrum. Some are ambulatory, some are not. Most have some level of cognitive impairment. But you know what the best thing is? These kids are so loving, open, and accepting. After a hard week at work I drive an hour+ across town for ~30 min of fencing. After a week of work, of doing the academic research thing, after dealing with egos, and administrative crap, I show up and these kids are happy to see me. Here, I'm just another person. They encourage me, try to show me how to fence, hug me, welcome me. It is such a great reminder of how fortunate I am. Most of these kids will never be able to live alone, have a job, drive a car, etc..So even when my week is rough & I'm tired, interacting with them helps me appreciate my life and opportunities.

But it is more than that. These kids are the best example yet of unconditional acceptance and support. I've never heard a negative word about another person come out of their mouth. They may doubt themselves, but they always support those around them.... Also, sitting through class with them helps keep me humble. I've run into far too many people who wouldn't participate in such a class b/c it is with kids, or b/c it is with people who they see themselves as better than. And yes, I'd like to have class with adults, but the instructor finds ways to challenge & improve me, so I have no complaints. The kids don't care who I am, who I work with, what I do for a living, my education, what I've accomplished, what I can/can't do. As far as they are concerned I'm this girl who shows up just for fencing. They miss me when I'm gone and are happy to see me each time.

My absolute favorite part of the class?? The hug I get from one little girl in particular. She gives the best hugs.. In the beginning I felt so left out as she passed out hugs to her friends... And then one day she decided to include me.... I look forward to it every week. I can't explain it, but when she hugs me you can tell she really enjoys hugging you. It isn't perfunctory in any way shape or form. I think if we all hugged that way the world would be a much happier place.