Esotropiart

Pat Morita passed away last Friday of natural causes at age 73. Without a doubt, Pat is most well known as Mr. Miyagi from the 1984 film, Karate Kid. Though Morita does not practice karate himself, I really enjoyed his portrayal of an eccentric Japanese master. Something about those movies inspired, I think, thousands of kids to want to learn martial arts. Though I have since moved on to interest in Chinese martial arts, there was a time as a kid when I wanted to learn karate. In fact, I took lessons at my school for about a year and a half. I hardly remember a thing I learned, but it was fun at the time.

As I was reading some of the eulogies and articles about Pat's passing, I began to wonder what it must be like to have your life summed up in a few short paragraphs. The news can be so stale and cold in its approach. It sounds like Mr. Morita had to overcome a great deal of hardship in his lifetime. It's really too bad that most of his movie and TV roles were just supporting ones. Perhaps that was his place, and where he performed the best. It just seems that he should have had a chance at some more significant parts. Oh well. Perhaps his life is a lesson that one does not need to be the biggest name or the best at anything. One must simply do the best he can with what is given him. I know that I certainly wouldn't want extreme riches and fame. Such things almost inevitably change a person.

I prefer to lead a simple life out of most spotlights, I guess. If I leave any legacy at all, I hope it will be one that points people to the love that Jesus demonstrated in giving His life for me.

So hats off to Mr. Morita. You have one of those faces that simply cannot be forgotten. Your image and work has brought smiles to many.