Yongsa Martial Arts

I lost my mom on Saturday. She had not been in the best of shape for years, and for the last few weeks she had been on hospice. I think that part of the grieving process is that we are forced to take inventory of our memories. I have many good memories of my mom, but one in particular stands out among the rest. I want to share it with you now.

When I was a child, around 6 or 7 years old, I got a slingshot. One afternoon I was playing with it in the backyard when I heard the drumming of a woodpecker in the hickory trees above. I had already learned that hickory nuts make the perfect projectile, so I reached down and picked one up. I pulled back and released. The nut hit near the bird but missed. The woodpecker flew to a nearby tree and started drumming again. I picked up another nut and had the same result. I repeated this a half dozen times until, unexpectedly, one nut hit the target.

I remember the bird fell backward but for a few seconds clung to the tree with one of its claws. Then it suddenly released and fell to the ground. I was excited to have actually hit the target and ran over to the bird with boyish enthusiasm. I picked the bird up and held it. It was a large bird and easily overfilled my child-sized hands. The bird was warm in my hands and, surprisingly, the nut had left no obvious sign of injury. There was no bleeding and nothing appeared broken. The only evidence that the bird was injured was that it lay lifeless in my hand.

As I examined the bird, I started to notice what I had not noticed before. It had a bright red head and a gray speckled body. It was amazingly beautiful. Immediately, remorse started to set in. I remember thinking, and I remember as clearly as if it happened yesterday, that this bird would never fly again. The world would never again enjoy the rhythmic sound of it drumming on a tree. The world would never again be blessed with its beauty. And it was my fault. I had done this, and I was mortified.

I buried the bird under a wild cherry tree and placed upon its grave the biggest rock I could carry so that no other animal would disturb it. On the way back to the house, I threw the slingshot into the burn barrel. Then I went into the house.

We had visitors that day. Two uncles and two aunts were gathered in the living room with my dad. My mom was in the kitchen making dinner. As I made my way through the kitchen, she asked, "What is wrong, son?" I broke down bawling and announced loudly, "I killed a bird."

Everyone in the living room laughed. But not Mom. She saw that I was heartbroken, and there was nothing funny about that to her. She picked me up and sat me on her lap and comforted me as I shared all of the details. I don't remember what she said afterward, or if she said anything. I remember that she dried my eyes with both thumbs and, for extra measure, kissed each eye. She made me feel like everything would be okay.

I never fully recovered from the trauma of that day. I don't think I was supposed to. But I did learn three things that day that I carry with me still and will carry with me until it is my time to go.

First, death is permanent.

Second, we need to value the lives of all animals, down to the smallest bird.

And finally, God had blessed my mom with special eyes. Her eyes could see into the soul of a child and see a broken heart where everyone else saw humor.

I love you, Mom. I will miss you.

We had the opportunity to meet an impressive young leader recently, and while our current scheduling needs are not the right fit, we wanted to help spread the word because she would be a great asset to the right opportunity this summer.

Kelsie White is a Howard University student majoring in Accounting with a 3.94 GPA and a strong background working with children through tutoring, summer programs, and assistant teaching roles. She has leadership experience, excellent communication skills, and a very professional and positive attitude.

She is currently looking for summer employment in the Smyrna/Atlanta area.

Experience includes:
• Assistant Teacher
• Math Tutor
• Program Counselor
• Leadership & Community Programs
• Parent and Student Communication
• Team Leadership

If your business or organization is looking for a dependable, intelligent, and motivated college student this summer, we would absolutely recommend connecting with her.

If interested, feel free to message us and we can help connect you.

If you haven't yet registered for the Southeastern District Championships, you have until 1:00 p.m. today to do so on ATAEZsignup.com!!

Throw Back Thursday FIVE star review from Apr 7, 2025:

"An excellent program that keeps the kids excited and engaged while learning. The instructors are great with the kids and the staff is caring and helpful. My grandson enjoys it very much!"
- Audrey Bates Glenn

Preliminary state standings are posted! Be sure to double check your points. You have a short window of time to make any corrections before they become official!

State Standings | ATA Martial Arts - Songahm Taekwondo

Congratulations to Rudhvi on earning 2nd place in Creative Weapons at Nationals!! 🥈

Yongsa students were on 🔥 at the tournament this weekend!! All 21 of our competitors medaled!