I love writing about people dear to me.  My hunka hunka’s history has been told a few times over.  Honestly it’s hard to always find the words.  I have sat down many times to write a blog, but just can’t express all my feelings. I started this blog many months ago, but determined to finish it for Father’s Day. He’s a definite “poor boy done good”. 

Robert began working at age 7 mowing grass.  This was the time when kids would push a mower from house to house offering to mow a yard for a cheap price.  His worth ethic started off extremely young, especially when kids do not even go outside to play these days anymore.    By the time he reached high school, he was working two jobs. 

His desire to do martial arts was always in the forefront, however, funding was too scarce.  Going to school and working were more important.  He had a friend in high school who aspired to be a doctor, but he knew martial arts.  Robert graduated 98^th percentile of his class and offered his friend math tutoring in exchange for martial arts lessons.  Fast forward to today, Robert is a renowned martial artist and his friend was a doctor in the military. Both achieved their aspirations.

When Robert became an adult, he continued to work.  He had an adult job which allowed him to pursue true martial arts training.  Through family, injuries, and struggles along the way, he finally achieved black belt.  He sacrificed sleep while working his day job, running a martial arts school, and coaching the kids at various sports.

I met my hunka hunka at a women’s self-defense seminar.  I was there to learn.  He was there to teach.  Neither one of us planned the meeting.  He saw a passion in me which I never saw in myself.  (Of course, the rest of that is written in the stars.) Never underestimate the power of destiny.

My dream place to travel was always Venice. I would see pictures of that town and just couldn’t imagine going there. A couple months after we started dating, Robert told me he had to travel to Europe for ten days for a martial arts tour. How could I live without him for that long? I already loved him that much. One night we were out to eat and he said, “Ich Liebe Dich.” I had no idea what that meant. He said he wants me to know how to say “I love you” in German because I was going with him. WOW. I was ecstatic. In May 2004, we traveled to different towns in Germany, as well as Italy. We pulled away from the group to go to Venice. To this day, I still cannot believe we were there.

It is simply amazing how many places we have had the privilege to visit, how many seminars we have taught together, and just how much we have accomplished together. We are a great team. He’s stuck with me, whether he likes it or not.

This fall we will celebrate 15 years married and 16 years together. There is no one else I would rather be on this ride with than him, whether he likes it or not.

Life has taken us through many turns. The most challenging times have taught us to always find our core and know how much stronger together we are. We have cherished our best times and relished in the moment. He has made, and continues to make, all of my dreams come true. How could I ever top that?!

My hunka hunka would tell me of aspirations for the future of ChunJiDo, especially when he wanted to take it international. I know I probably looked at him like he was crazy, and maybe even said he was crazy. In 2009, ChunJiDo went international. Here I am today ten years later still in awe. ChunJiDo now has affiliates in more 30 countries. I am so proud of him! He tirelessly worked many nights to speak with international folks to achieve this goal.

My hunka hunka is the best husband, father, son, son-in-law, and PawPaw anyone could ask for. Anyone who knows him, knows this is true. I am so proud of him and all of his accomplishments. I am so proud to stand by his side. I am so proud to call him my husband, but most importantly, to call him my hunka hunka.

Peace out, Trout!