Grandpa 's Journey

  Our Annual Eye Checkup and Preparing for the Road Ahead Today, Julie and I skipped our usual mall walking routine for something equally important — our annual eye checkup. Normally, we enjoy starting the day with a relaxing walk at the mall, followed by a coffee break and some casual browsing. It is a simple routine, but one we both enjoy as part of staying active and healthy. But today was medical appointment day. After a thorough examination, our eye doctor gave both of us advice that many people eventually hear as they grow older: it is time to start planning for cataract surgery. The good news is there is no urgency. Our eyesight is still functional for daily activities, reading, blogging, and getting around. But cataracts develop gradually, and surgery bookings can take many months. The doctor especially advised me not to wait too long because I will eventually need to do my driving test again at age 82. His recommendation was practical and forward-looking: “Better to...

  Watching my grandson compete in a friendly Muay Thai match today was both exciting and heartwarming for me as a grandfather. Seeing him step into the ring at only 12 years old reminded me that sports can teach young people far more than physical skills alone. He was the taller boy in the black shorts and T-shirt. What impressed me most was not power or aggression, but his calmness, focus, and discipline throughout the match. I could see the results of training, effort, and respect for the sport. What made the event especially meaningful was the ending. After the final round, the referee raised both boys’ hands, symbolizing that this was truly a “win-win” experience. In a friendly match like this, the real victory is not about defeating another child. It is about courage, learning, sportsmanship, confidence, and personal growth. As grandparents, we naturally care about safety, but we also understand the value of healthy challenges. Martial arts, when properly guided, can help c...