Al Simon – The Tai Chi and Qigong Blog

ChiFusion student Frank Walker passed away on September 16th.

Frank, who was also in our Instructor Certification program, was one of our most dedicated, enthusiastic students. I will miss him a lot.

Frank first joined our student program in 2009. He had just had some severe health problems in 2008, and had come to us for help with health and healing. In addition, Frank had become interested in the way of Taoism in the last few years, with Tao Te Ching: Lao Tzu and The Art of War – Spirituality for Conflict: Sun Tzu always near at hand.

Frank never let his health limitations get in the way. Here’s part of an email he wrote last May:

From: Frank Walker on Saturday, May 14, 2011 9:24 AM

Hello Al,

My purpose in writing is first a “fan letter”, of sorts …

On April 5th I had a stroke. 911, E.R., the whole nine yards The most serious lasting effect was my brain forgot I had a left leg. My nervous system self rewired and now my brain knows I have one. From the hospital to inpatient rehab. Then day rehab. Now outpatient rehab.

Think about this. In one month I walked out of inpatient rehab with no more assistance than a cane.

Many were amazed at the speed of recovery. I have only one explanation. My ChiFusion work.

While in the hospital, I used many parts of some exercises:

a. While confined in bed
b. Wheel chair
c. Normal chair
d. Limited standing

While doing physical therapy, I incorporated many movements into the exercises I was asked to do. Many therapists were curious. Other patients were very curious.

In the limited time I have left I want to teach those with physical disabilities, whether temporary or permanent, exercises tailored to their ability. I also want to teach willing physical therapists. I know that I may have to compromise some of the exercises, but I believe I can still be an effective instructor with the aid of the materials in the full course.

- Frank

P.S. I know I am not unique in this, but I incorporate Chi Fusion into daily activities. Nothing formal, just the way I move in the world. Some simple examples. When I am standing I am automatically in the Wuji stance. The other day, I had to stand in a moving bus. Instant goat stance. When I have to bend over, I use some spine exercises.

Here’s how I answered Frank last May:

From Al Simon on 5/16/2011 7:19 AM

Hi Frank -

Thank you for your email. I’m glad you sent this to me.

Let me first say, I’m sorry to hear about these physical challenges you are facing. But I wish you all the best for health and healing from them.

I’m glad the stroke recovery has gone well, and it’s a tribute to your persistence and chi skills that it has gone so well.

I appreciate the “fan letter”, but this is really your accomplishment. You’ve taken the ChiFusion work and made it your own, and a part of your life. Not many students do that. But you have – you are someone special for doing that. And I’m certain that’s why your recovery is going well.

I’m certain you can still be an effective instructor. Health-compromised students often become the best teachers, and have a lot of personal experience to draw on – much more than someone who has never faced health challenges.

You just need to be able to get close to the way the movements are done to be a good model for your students. But you can always talk them through what changes you’ve made and why, and talk them through what they need to do for themselves.

No, you aren’t unique – but you are very rare indeed. I’d say maybe five people out of a hundred do what you’ve done – that is, take what we teach and really make it a part of themselves and their lives. I’m glad you’ve done that, because I’m certain it is what is helping you, and will continue to help you, through your recovery.

I hope through the certification program will be able to help you even more as you improve your chi skills and continue to build your health.

All my best,
Al

Unfortunately, Frank wasn’t able to complete his goal of becoming a certified instructor. But as he once wrote me, “Formal certification: It would be great if I get there, but the certification is not my goal. Skill development is my goal.”

And Frank worked on his skills, right up to the end.

A few days ago, Caroline Walker, Frank’s wife, sent me this message:

From Caroline Walker on Saturday, September 24, 2011 6:11:27 PM

Dear Al -

Your training brought Frank a good measure of tranquility for which we were so grateful. Had he sought to develop his Chi 10 or 20 years ago, he may be alive today.

Frank showed me Carole’s photo on line – remarkable stance and we were both stunned at her age. Frank wanted that inner directedness for us both …

Thank you for thoughtful remembrances of Frank and encouragement for me. Your response is very much appreciated.

Kind regards,
Caroline

In addition to his interest in Chi development and Taoism, Frank was also a Certified Fraud Examiner and CEO of his own company, Walker Fraud Examiners, Inc.

Frank was also a volunteer Co-CEO for Fraud Aid, Inc., a small non-profit helping victims of fraud.

Please join me in paying tribute to Frank, and in wishing his wife Caroline much health and healing from her loss.