TO SENSEI KAWAHATSU ON HIS BIRTHDAY

SEPTEMBER 8TH, 1996

BY

ROBERT WALLACE PAOLINELLI

Birthdays come and birthdays go, and many birthdays have passed which have brought us to this place, on this day, at this hour, at this moment, this moment of unstoppable time, the illusive moment which one moment we think we understand and have grasped with lightning clarity, only to see our understanding evaporate like morning dew when the sun comes out.

For children birthdays are but a dream of cakes and presents. As we grow older our birthdays are an awakening to the brevity of life and how easily it is squandered or used wisely

Using life wisely is to have found faith, love and compassion--the three gifts we receive as we travel with open eyes on the path to the heart of God.