Mother’s Day Weekend 5/9/08 – 5/11/08
Saturday, May 10
8:00 am
Last night Su-Lin was nice as always but firm that we were leaving for Daniel’s memorial service at 8:15 this morning. I made sure that I was ready 10 minutes before that. We arrived at Pimentel Hall on UC Berkeley campus about 30 minutes before the service started. I saw most of SKA people I knew there. Well, that was my impression. Somehow they looked different… They were not in gi but all dressed up for the service. It was nice and refreshing to see them like that....that is they didn't look dangerous.
10:00 am – Noon
During the solemn and peaceful memorial service, I learned many great things Dr. Chemla or Godan Chemla accomplished in his life. I truly regret that I didn’t have many chances to get to know him better and learn more from him while he was with us. Spergon (sandan) from Berkeley Finn Hall dojo remembered him by saying, [paraphrased] “Daniel loved us so deeply that he was always honest and straightforward with us. He didn’t care about being disliked because of that.” Ohshima Sensei said when he was remembering Daniel, “A courageous man’s heart is full of tears.” It touched my heartstrings.
Noon – 2:30 pm
There were so many people at the reception. I was happy that we could remember Daniel and celebrate his life together. We had a great time. Su-Lin, Brigette and I wanted to stay longer but we didn’t forget our women’s practice. We headed for Stanford University.
[to be continued]
“Daniel loved us so deeply
“Daniel loved us so deeply that he was always honest and straightforward with us. He didn’t care about being disliked because of that.” and "“A courageous man’s heart is full of tears.”
Whoa. A few words that clarify a lot of things!