Death and Taxes

There are a few things in life that we can not avoid, and a common saying in the US, is that everyone, someday, will have to confront "Death and Taxes".

Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim teaches us that we all have to face 4 things in our life:
     1. Birth
     2. Aging
     3. Sickness
     4. Death

As a younger student, I only thought about the first 3.  The first one, I didn't think much about, because I was already here.  And "Aging" - when I was younger I felt like I would live forever.
And "Sickness" - I figured that I would eat good and train regularly and stay healthy.  So through arrogance, and some ignorance, I thought to myself, "don't worry, I got this".

But as I get older, Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim continues to remind me about the limitation in our life.  I am almost 60 now, and so how many more healthy years left do I have?  Years, where I can move freely, drive, cook and go to the bathroom by myself.  How long can I live without the help of others?  And financially too?  Is it really worth living if you can't take care of yourself, and/ or if you are in a hospital bed hooked up to alot of hoses.  I don't want to live that way.  

So whether I like it or not, I better start confronting the truth.  As painful as it is to think about these things, I must face reality and the truth.  I must admit, it is very painful and sad, and sometimes it just doesn't make sense.  Why are we born, and work so hard to accomplish and build things, only to die and wither away?  These are deep pondering questions.  

Okay, I understand.  In this world, I will be leaving soon, and saying goodbye to this world and the people around me.  So how can I leave something special to this world and the people around me?  It is time to think about others, and not be selfish.  This is something I have to think about more.  How can I leave the special training behind that Great Grandmaster has taught me all these years?  These are thoughts for me, but for all of you.  Lets think about it before it is too late.  

I know that Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim thinks about this deeply, and really wants to dedicate her life to teaching and helping others.   I admire that greatly.  So it is time for me to start thinking that way.

On the spiritual side, it is also important to have faith and believe in something.  I strongly believe in God and Jesus, and our lives after death.  I believe that how we live our lives now, will determine where and how we are treated later.  So live good, and do good to others.  At least try.  Many times I have tried and not everyone takes it with a smile.  But at least inside, you can slept at night knowing that you really tried.
Thank you Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim for guiding me and teaching me all these years.  These teaching of the ancient martial arts must be passed on to the next generation.

With love, respect, and honor,
Ju Hahn
I am a very grateful student and warrior of Great Grandmaster Tae Yun Kim