Boulder

It had been two years since Andy passed. He loved attending the T’ai Chi Chih teacher conferences, and we had attended most since our certification in San Antonio in 2000. Since he and I co-taught all our TCC classes, the thought of attending without him was something I couldn’t consider until this year. Ginny Morgan and I had been emailing since we both experienced the loss of our husbands. She, too, hadn’t attended a recent conference, so we decided that 2017 was the year.

It was wonderful seeing old friends, teachers and making new friends. But it brought back many bittersweet memories of the fun and learning Andy and I had together. All who knew Andy, and even some that didn’t, expressed condolences and shared memories of him and the TCC mobiles he created and sold at the vendor table. Some brought me to tears. Steve Stevens shared a photo of Andy and me in 2014. One teacher noticed a dragonfly that stayed with me during our last TCC morning practice. She believed it was Andy doing the movements as we had done many times together.

I had not taught TCC since Andy’s passing but before the conference, I was asked to teach the residents of The Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. After much consideration, I took this as a sign. Andy would have wanted me to do it. After the first class I received a request to teach at an assisted living complex, where I now offer standing and seated TCC. Andy and I had never taught seated TCC. Learning more about seated TCC was one of my main focuses at the conference.

I stayed for Seijaku, which was rewarding and a great review. I now do it most days, which is something I hadn’t done since certification in 2000. I am so thankful to have attended the conference. Being with teachers was very healing, and I thank everyone for their kindness and friendship. I look forward to next year’s conference.