Below is a letter from one of Professor’s students to His Holiness after her son was injured in Iraq. It is part of a collection of stories that I gathered as a gift for Professor on his birthday. I was honored to be with Billy and his mother in Hawaii when he met Professor. It is a moment I will always remember.
Professor, my story involves not what I did, but what you did for my son, Billy. Last year in Nov. 2006, I came to you at the Boston workshop and showed you a picture of my son and told you he was in the Marine Corp and stationed in Iraq. I was sobbing so hard when I was telling you this story because of the great fear I felt for him for being in such a violent place.
You took the picture of Billy and said prayers and placed a protection around him and returned the photo to me and said, “Safe, Safe, Safe.” I instantly stopped sobbing for I knew in my heart that he was protected.
On January 13th 2007 my son was injured in a firefight, but his injuries were not life threatening, and with time were completely healed. I knew that it was because of your prayers and the protection you placed around him.
Billy is stationed in Hawaii and went to see you at the Hawaii workshop to express his gratitude for the prayers and protection you placed around him.
So, on behalf of my family, I would also like to say, “Thank You, We Are Grateful!” You have our deepest respect and heartfelt gratitude, always!
Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful),
Barbara
Wait! There’s more!
The story began before Billy left for Iraq. Barbara came to me asking if I knew of something from Professor that could help to keep Billy safe during his deployment. I offered her Worried About Someone, and she enthusiastically followed every step with great care. Billy carried the red ribbon with him every day, knowing that he carried both Professor’s blessings and his mother’s heart.
After Billy was injured in the firefight, he was transferred from the field hospital to a military hospital outside Iraq. None of his belongings were transferred with him. Yet, there on his bed, without explanation, was the red ribbon he had carried so carefully for months and months.
That was his first message to his mom.
With Immense Gratitude for H. H. Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun