Saturday night:

Beth, Michelle and I went to the high school in the next town to see the big “Black Belt Spectacular”. Our dear friend Meredith was receiving her first degree black belt, and this night was her graduation night.

It was SUCH an amazing night. Mere has been, to put it mildly, thru the wringer over the past year. And yet … with each setback (involving bodily injury – I mean, major stuff) – she kept going. Her dedication to this grueling process was really inspiring, especially when so much else was going wrong. Her tough-ness, her persistence, her struggles … It was all just leading up to this night. This night of celebration.

It was SUCH a “spectacular”. There were demonstrations, music, weapons flying around, 30 people moving in unison, lights turned off – spotlights moving around – it was awesome. A ton of work went into the night.

And yeah. Whatever. I cried. Beth and I told Mere later, “Yeah, we were sitting up there in tears watching you!” Mere looked mortified. “You cried? Wow. That is so embarrassing.” We were complete embarrassments. Totally. And yet we couldn’t seem to help ourselves. We were so proud of our friend.

Each person receiving their first degree black belt that night had to choreograph their own demo – set to music of their choice. It was their moment. Out came Mere. Beth, Michelle and I all just sat there, holding hands. Like the embarrassing geeks that we are. But it was so exciting!! Mere took her spot – all by herself on the gym floor – with the damn splint on her arm from when she broke it … and then her music started. Blondie. Naturally. Was the song “Atomic”?? I think it was. Please confirm, Beth, Michelle, Mere, or Jayne. Thanks. When I met Mere, she was listening to Blondie. And here she is, using it for her demo. It was so cool.

We clapped and cheered for her (well, for everyone – but we stepped it up a notch for Mere) when her name was called and she stepped forward to receive her blue robe – with her name on the back – and then had her black belt wrapped around her waist It was a big moment for her. Really big.

She wasn’t able to come out with us afterwards – she had to just go home and crash – but Beth, Michelle and I went to the Mews … and sitting a couple tables away was Renshi! We know his name, but in that moment we whispered, in awe, as he walked in, “There’s Renshi …” as though he were a mythological creature come to life. Like a centaur had strolled into the Mews or something.

I am so so glad I made it to Rhode Island for the spectacular. It was something else.

Mere: congratulations. I’m so proud of you – and I honestly don’t know if I could do what you have done over the last year. It kind of blows the mind.

GREAT JOB!