Unsung Heroes

Some T’ai Chi Chih teachers are very diligent about writing to the Vital Force and sharing information about how their classes are unfolding. Many other teachers are also doing wonderful work and we don’t always hear about or from them. It would be great if they shared their experiences in the Vital Force, but for reasons known only to them (perhaps they are too shy, too busy with work, or judge their writing skills), they don’t.. Whether they write or not, they are still a vital part of our community and it is important to recognize them.

Virginia Cepeda, of California, who has faced some serious health challenges, now teaches eight classes a week to seniors and others. Virginia is always steady in the number of classes she offers; she seems to have boundless energy and health. It is a wonderful service that she offers. She is always quick to praise T’ai Chi Chih for having made a big difference in her life.

Pat Huesby, also of California, continues to teach a class of students, most of whom are over 90. They are faithful in coming to class and Pat is faithful about being there for them. Is it possible that T’ai Chi Chih is keeping this group forever young?

Lyn Welch, of Florida, is always looking for new places to introduce T’ai Chi Chih. Recently, she made headway towards getting a T’ai Chi Chih program into one of the colleges. She does this despite receiving chemotherapy treatments weekly. Her doctor isn’t sure why her strength hasn’t waned under the heavy medication, but Lyn says with a smile, “I know what is doing it; it’s the T’ai Chi Chih. My head is bald, but I feel good thanks to T’ai Chi Chih.”

Caroline Guillot, of Lousiana, has started her own T’ai Chi Chih Center. She is not afraid of wielding a paintbrush and searching for the right decor for the life giving center (which was created out of an old building). It shows what a little creativity (nurtured by a consistent T’ai Chi Chih practice) can do.

Virginia Shilson, of Missouri (formerly of Albuquerque), is still very active with her local community, sharing her many years of teaching and leadership experience. Virginia, young in her 80s, has always led by example. She is still attending T’ai Chi Chih Conferences, inspiring everyone who meets her.

Margo Carpenter, of Canada, has kept the home fires burning for many years. Margo has left her family on weekends and traveled three hours or more to work with serious students. (Many times she does not even get paid.) She has hosted advanced T’ai Chi Chih classes, Teacher’s Trainings, Retreats, and Workshops. She got the ball rolling towards having the first international T’ai Chi Chih Conference and she’s kept T’ai Chi Chih alive in Canada. Others have also been active for years in Canada: Renee Wilson and Guadalupe Buckwald immediately come to mind. Our commitment shows as T’ai Chi Chih grows.

This represents only a small number of teachers that could be on a list of committed and active community members. I hope to read “the rest of story” in the Vital Force from each of these people. They are all truly a treasure. Each of these people has made a big difference to T’ai Chi Chih. Each has learned to love and share the chi.