Cole (8 page)

If every one of you here today was able to change the life of just 10 people.  And those people changed the life of just 10 people.  And those people changed the life of just 10 people.  Do you know how many lives that would be?”

The students stared intently.  Not a hand rose.  Not an eyeball wavering.

“33,300 people.  Imagine that.  The entire population of our county.  Go one more generation and it’s 333,300.  And if you go five generations it’s 3,333,300.  That more than the population of 21 of our 50 states.

If you think it’s difficult to change the lives of 10 people during your lifetime…well, it’s not.  In a part of South America where a bunch of really, really bad guys live, lots of bad guys, one man heard a very small noise.  Just one man.  That man was our leader that day.  He told us to stop and change direction.  We found out later that if we would have continued along that same jungle path for just 20 more yards we would have all been dead.  Some of you sitting in here right now can throw a football 20 yards.  Some of you can run that distance in under three seconds.  How many lives did that one man change?  Did that one man save?  He saved 12 including his own.”

The students looked like they were in shock.  Each frozen in their seats.  I had accomplished my first mission.  Get their attention.  Now, not only not to lose it, but to direct it towards something positive.

“Who is that man?  He’s sitting eight feet to my right at this exact moment.”

The children’s eyes moved simultaneously to the left like the final point in the fifth set of the U.S. Open.  Jax’s gaze was already there to meet them.  I didn’t need to look at him to know.  I already knew.  Plus I could see it with my peripheral vision.

“That man saved 12 lives.”  The student’s eyes moved in unison back to me.  The lives of 11 others plus his own.

I’m here today to repay that favor.  Not to him, but to you.  With your permission, I want to change your life.  Technically I don’t know you so I will say I’m here to impact your life.  Impact it in the most positive way as quickly as possible.

And what will your world look like then?  I want you all to close your eyes for a moment.”  The children’s eyes shut tight like they were playing hide-and-seek and didn’t want to get called out for cheating.

“Imagine waking up every day feeling happy.  Full of energy.  Waking up early.  Excited for what the day has to bring.  And not just what the day will bring you, but what you will bring the day.  What do I mean by that?  I mean you have already prepared.  You are prepared and ready to make an impact on the day.  On the world.  They day won’t tell you what to do.  You will be in charge.  You will have purpose and that purpose will guide you to accomplish everything you set out to accomplish.

Your body will be strong.  Your mind will be strong.  You will have the resources available to you to accomplish your goals.  And if you don’t have those resources right away your mind will be sharp and focused and in combination with your strong body all the parts of you will be able to work together to get these resources.  Or to make these resources.  To do whatever it takes to get the tools to make you successful.  Successful in the ways that you choose.  But first you must build that foundation.
 

You can open your eyes now.”  I was holding an 8x10 print of the moment I kissed the cobra.

“As you can see, anything is possible.”  The kids gasped.

“As Ms. Compton said, I am a Navy SEAL.  So is the man sitting to my right.  Mr. Justice.  Mr. Justice has changed my life.  More than just changed my life, he saved my life.  It’s time I return that favor.  I’d like to give that gift to each and every one of you here today.  Each and every one who wants to work with me.  Side-by-side.  To allow me to share the wisdom I’ve learned from the years of Navy SEAL training.  From the training from traveling all around the world.  From the training of living life.”

I had slowly been increasing the speed of my speech.  I wanted to build to the ultimate moment and I think I had it.  Now or never.

“In my pocket I have a list.  A list for anyone who would like to join me in training.  Training the body.  Training the mind.  Today I opened a gym.  Today.  Day one.  You can start on the first day.  Be a part of the original team.  Be a part of something new.  Something special.  Tonight at 7pm will be our first class.  It’s free to attend.  I don’t ask anyone to pay in anything but hard work and sweat for the first month.  I’m that sure of it.  Try it for one month.  See how well it works for you.  No risk.

We will work hard this month.  We will exercise until you think you can’t exercise anymore.  But you will.  Your mind will overcome the pain.  You will be pushed to limits you didn’t know were possible.  And then you will blow past them.  You will be prepared.  You will be strong.  You will be ready.  For anything.”

I stopped.  The children were still frozen in their seats.  Even Ms. Compton seemed a bit taken back.  No one spoke.  Then suddenly a small boy in the back of the class who had been leaning forward on his seat and desk did a combination slide and jump to his left to exit his desk and yelled “Awww” and ran to the podium.  It reminded me of a battle cry.

“Mr. Callahan.  I’m ready.  I have my pen.  Where do I sign?”

It was like a dam broke.  All the children poured out of their desks and engulfed the podium.  Commotion.  High-fiving.  Muscle flexing by some of the boys and even the girls.  Feeling each other’s biceps.  It had worked.  It was a success.  The kids were pumped up.  Now I just had to keep the momentum.

“Remember.  When you sign you are giving your word.  Not only to me, but more importantly to yourselves.  Also you will need to check with your parents.  I encourage you to sign the form tonight, but make sure to check with your parents to make sure.”

No one backed away.  I couldn’t image all the students showing up in a little under four and a half hours, but I liked their enthusiasm.

As the children were taking turns signing the form I felt Ms. Compton’s hand on my back.  I turned and she motioned to join her on the other side of the room.

“Cole, that was incredible.”  She held out her arm.  It was covered in goose bumps.  “When you first started I thought your intensity was too high for kids their age, but now that I think about it that’s just what they needed.  You met their energy level with one that’s even higher.  I don’t think they’re used to that.  I have to admit I was engrossed.  I literally forgot where I was.  It was like I was in the middle of a movie.  I think you hypnotized us with your intensity then motivated us beyond belief with your words.  Did I just have an out of body experience?  I may have.”

We both laughed.

“Adults are welcome too Carissa.  And I can definitely promise an in body experience when you try one of my workouts.  They’re guaranteed to tear you down first, but then rebuild you even stronger.”

“So you’re saying this is the
real
boot camp exercise program?”

“Something like that.  You’re definitely going to feel alive and see changes.”

“Cole, I’m infected.  I got the bite.  I’m all in on the Kool-Aid.  Sign me up.”

I laughed.  “No Kool-Aid, Carissa.  And I know you just meant it as a figure of speech, but you’ve got to sign up yourself.  It reaffirms the commitment your making to yourself.  It’s a lot easier to stay committed when it’s your hand that physically takes that pen and signs your name on the line.”

“You know all the tricks, don’t you?”

“Just the ones that work.”

Carissa looked up at me in a combination of a smile and full entrancement.  I could feel the spark we had.  It was back.  And back in a big way.  A huge way.  Her pupils were dilating.  I could feel my heart racing.  It felt good.

Just then the bell rang.  The students didn’t motion to leave.  One little girl put her hand up.

“Yes, Katie.”

“Miss Compton, where do we go at 7pm?”

I walked to the chalkboard and wrote down the address.  Carissa tore out some small sheets of paper and began copying it while some of the kids took pictures of the chalkboard with their smart phones.

“Please remember to check with your parents.  I want you all to come, but you must tell your parents.  The gym is very basic, but don’t be scared.  It will be easier to stay focused without any distractions.”

A little boy walked up to me and stuck out his hand.  I took it in a shake.

“What’s your name young man?”

“Mr. Callahan, I’m Jerry Harper.  I’m going to see you tonight.  And a lot more nights too.”

“Excellent Mr. Harper.  I’m going to be looking forward to it.”

He turned and walked towards the door as did the rest of the students.  They filed out still buzzing about the speech.

I looked over at Jax and he raised both eyebrows.

“When did you learn to do math?”

“You mean multiply by ten?”

“And keep the cumulative total running.”

“You’re not underestimating me after all these years are you?”

“Never.”

We shook hands and shared a grin.

“And what’s up with opening tonight?  Your enthusiasm was a little in overdrive, huh?”

“You know me.  I got so fired up and there’s no stopping me.”

“It’s for a good cause, so I’m all for it.  Well, I guess we should hurry home and eat so we have the energy.  I’ll text Jasmine to see where she’s at.  She’s probably waiting for us out front.”

“Wait.  We?”

“You heard me?”

“You’re going to train?”

“Are you kidding me?  You just invited over 30 kids to a training session that starts in a few hours.  A little help and more personalized instruction could be just what the doctor ordered.”

Jax always had my back.  “Thanks, brother.  Would love to have you there.  Side by side again.”

“Don’t forget about me!”

I turned to see Carissa jump up with her hand in the air.  Like she was now the student attracting attention from the teacher.

“You’re trained in this kind of stuff?”  I gave her an inquisitive look.

“Heck no, but I heard you say 30 students.  I’m coming too!”

We all laughed.

“You’re darn right you are.  Right there from day one.”

“Cole, Jasmine just texted me.  She’s out front.  We should really get going.”

“Definitely.”

I turned to Carissa.  “See you tonight.  And no cute workout clothes.  Wear something that you don’t mind ruining.  Something you can do real work in.”

“Ruining?  What do you have planned?”

“You’ll see.”  I gave her a wink.  “And thanks again for letting us come.

“My pleasure.  And I can’t wait.  To see you.  I mean to see.”

Freudian slip.  It’s on now.

Chapter 12

Jax, Jasmine and I arrived at the gym 30 minutes early.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.  There were already over 15 cars in the gravel parking lot in front and on the sides of the gym.  Jerry Harper was standing by the front door next to a woman.

I almost jumped out of the Jeep before it came to a stop.  I approached the front door and the doors of the parked cars opened and adults and parents made their way to the entrance.

“Hello Mr. Callahan,” Jerry said as he extended his hand.

“Hello, Jerry.  Good to see you again.”  I shook Jerry’s hand and then turned my eyes to the woman on his right.

“Cole Callahan.”  I offered my hand, which she readily accepted.  She had a firm hand shake.  One with hope.  Her eyes were optimistic.  Wide.  Bright.

“Kate Koval.  I’m Jerry’s mom.  He hasn’t stopped talking about you since he got home.  Good to meet you.”

“The pleasure’s all mine, Kate.  Let me open this door so you and Jerry can see the gym.”

“Sounds great.”

I opened the door and when I turned around I could see a line had already formed.  Kate and Jerry stepped inside, but there were more people.  A lot more.  Kids and their parents approached the door and introduced themselves.  The kids seemed really excited which made me even more excited.  The parents were really behind their kids in this community.  I loved seeing this.  It made me proud.  Proud to be a part of something already great.  Now I had to contribute.  I wanted to contribute.  I wanted to belong.  I was losing that feeling of belonging with all the time away from my SEAL team.  I didn’t expect this to replace it, but I sure hoped it could help.

After the last of the parents and their kids stepped inside I prepared to follow suit.  Just then I heard a voice from behind.

“Got room for one more?”  I could recognize that voice from anywhere.

“You made it.”

“You didn’t think I was going to miss it did you?  Or even worse show up late.”

We both smiled.  Carissa was dressed in yoga pants and an Under Armour women’s t-shirt.  It was one of those synthetic materials great for staying dry during grueling activities.  A great choice.  Not only for the function, but also for the fit.  Her clothes were snug.  Not tight.  Showing off her curves while still leaving plenty to the imagination.  My imagination was running wild.  It took all my energy to maintain total eye contact.

“Looks like you’re ready to go.”

“I am.  I’m ready to put in work.  Just like you were saying.”

“Great, because there is plenty of work to be done inside.  Let’s go in there and get started.”

“Let’s.”

I put my hand on the small of Carissa’s back as she crossed the threshold.  I didn’t even think about it.  It was natural for me and her reaction, or actually her lack of, made it seem natural for her as well.  It reminded me of when we danced at the wedding.  My hand on her lower back as we danced.  Moving together in rhythm.  Tonight we’d be doing a different kind of dance.  One that requires just as much agility, but in a much different kind of way.  This was a whole new ball game, and it takes two to tango.

There were so many people I wanted to quickly address the entire crowd.  I walked to the middle of the room.

“Hello everyone.  Please remove your shoes and take a seat in a circle around me.  You can leave your shoes just outside the mat or by the door.”

After a minute or two everyone was seated and focused on the words I was about to speak.

“First of all.  Thank you to everyone for coming.  Your show of support this evening is outstanding.  My goal is to provide that same level outstanding training for everyone here who wishes to participate.  The techniques are designed to first and foremost build mental strength, physical strength, and discipline.  These three things often go hand in hand.  To accomplish these three goals I will rely on my training and experience as a Navy SEAL.  Don’t worry…I’m not going to ask anyone to jump out of a helicopter 10 miles from shore and to swim in.  I’m not going to ask anyone to repel down the side of a skyscraper.  And I’m definitely not going to ask anyone to defuse a bomb underneath a cargo ship.”

The crowd laughed.

“But for some of you young men and women in the room tonight, one day that may be possible.  But first, before we build you up, we must break you down.  And to help me begin that process I have my very good friend, Jax.  Jax is also a Navy SEAL.”

I looked in Jax’s direction and then crowd followed suit.  He was standing just off the mat in a relaxed parade rest.

“Because I value action over words, I see no point in speaking any longer.  We came here to train.  Let’s train.  Everyone who wishes to participate please stand up and remain on the mat.  Those who wish to watch please step back from the mat.  I ask that those watching remain quiet.  Although it may be tempting to verbally motivate a trainee it is better for the trainee to focus all their energy on the training.  On one voice.  That voice will be mine.  OK, let’s begin.”

Most of the adults stepped off the mat.  All of the children remained except for one little girl who clutched her mother as she prepared to watch.  Jerry was in front.  I could see his focus.  He was ready.  I liked this little guy already.  His mother had a different last name so I wondered if Jerry was being raised by a single parent.  This is the type of kid I felt like I could help the most.  Jerry seemed like a great kid already, but adding positive adult males to his life could only help more.  I just met Jerry, but I wanted to be one of those positive adult males.  A guy he could look up to.  A mentor so to speak.  Young guys often act tough, but behind closed doors they also often look for mentors and role models.  Guys whose lives interest them.  Guys who they can use as a template to get to where they want to be.  If they can see the end result and have the blueprint they can just follow the steps if they’re driven and disciplined.  I could see Jerry was one of those kids.

I counted 22 kids and two adults still on the mat.  With 24 people we could have four rows of six and also break down into two on two drills and three on three drills.  Twenty four was about as perfect a number as I could have asked for.

I started them off with some stretching.  After everyone was loose we did some light calisthenics to get the blood pumping.  Always better to begin exercise when the body’s warmed up and the blood’s already starting to pump.  Then the breakdown began.  Push-ups, sit-ups, burpees, mountain climbers, flutter kicks, and everything else in the basic package of SEAL exercises.  I kept the pace fast.  Jax and I moved around the room offering encouragement and correcting form.  When someone just couldn’t handle it anymore we encouraged them to try harder.  If we could see they were truly spent we instructed them to lie on their backs on the mat until they caught their breath.  A trick I had learned in a yoga class years ago.  It allows you to regroup, without distracting the rest of the training class.

Fortunately Jasmine had reminded us that we’d need water bottles or at least some cups.  We wanted that old school gym feel so we brought cups.  I liked that bare bones workout approach.  Sure, fancy gyms have a lot to offer, but there’s something about that feeling you get when you’re sweating it out in an old school spot with minimal everything.  It feels more raw.  It feels more you and less equipment.

The pace was break-neck.  After about 15 minutes we stopped for a quick cool down and breathing exercises.  It takes practice to control your breathing, especially when your body’s begging for oxygen.  There were times in the SEALs where you would expend a lot of energy and then immediately had to be totally silent.  You’re dying for air, and you must have air, but you can’t make a sound.  It’s all in the breathing exercises.  The class was struggling with this as I expected.  Shoot, I struggled with this when I first tried it.  It doesn’t make sense at first.  Your body is confused.  It’s not natural.  But it is discipline.  Mind over matter.  You’re still getting the oxygen you need, but your mind finds a way to do it differently.  To accomplish two goals at once.  Multitasking.

After I could see the group was breathing more normally we broke up into two-on-two groups.  We did some very basic hand-to-hand combat maneuvers.  Mostly focusing on defense.  Then we broke into three-on-three and practiced defending against multiple attackers.  This was always one of my favorite exercises because it required intense focus and decision-making.  The trainees handled it well.  In a real time environment there may be the option to take out one of the assailants, which then allows you to focus only on the remaining threats.  In this training it wasn’t like that, which actually made it more difficult.  It was more maneuver and escape.  Agility and exit routes.  What your parents told you when you were young was true.  Sometimes it really is better to fight and run away and live to fight another day.  We don’t call it running away though.  It’s not about being scared.  It’s about being smart.  We call it regrouping.

After about 75 minutes I got the group back down on the mats to finish with some stretching and breathing.  As a young gung-ho kid I never liked stretching.  Seeing it as a waste of time.  Not enough action.  It was slow and deliberate when I wanted something right out of a Michael Bay movie.  Action.  Cuts.  Explosions.  Luckily I had matured and after a few injuries had come to really appreciate stretching and the focus that breathing requires and gives.

At 90 minutes the class was over, but we had one thing left to do.  We formed two lines and thanked each other for the training.  For giving it our all.  When we all work hard we all win.  And everyone had worked hard.  Clothes were drenched.  Students were instinctively breathing through their mouths while fighting the urge as we had shown them.  A lot of smiles.  The chatter began as kids spoke with one another and joked mostly about the events of the hand-to-hand drills.

“Just one more thing before we call it a night.  I’m not very good with paperwork and probably should have done this first, but for those who would like to continue with the trial month could you please sign the parental forms at the front on your way out?  And remember, I’ll be here Monday – Saturday at 7am and 7pm.  You’re welcome to come as often as you like.  If you’re feeling really ambitious twice a day.  Please remember to drink a lot of water tonight.  You’re probably going to be sore in the morning.  So water now, tonight, and for the next few days will really help.  If anybody has any questions or would just like to talk I’ll be here as long as I need to.  Thanks again and good night.”

Kate began clapping and the whole room followed suit.  It was a standing ovation with claps, whistles, and high fives.  It felt good.  Great actually.  It was only one night, but I was making a difference.  And I was going to continue making a difference.

The students and parents began to file out and Carissa came skipping out of the crowd up to my side.

“Wow.  I feel great.  Alive and energetic.  Also sore, but more great than sore.”

We laughed.

“You’re going to be sore for about a week.”

“That’s nothing.  A week out of a lifetime.  I’ll pay that toll.”

“I like your attitude.  It’s a small price for a bigger picture.”

“Speaking of bigger picture, I think the big picture here is that this was a huge success and in a small town like this word’s going to spread.  Fast.  I think you’re really on to something here.”

“Thanks.  It all started in your classroom.”

“You’re welcome, but I’m not taking credit.  It all started when you decided to make a difference.  Make a difference in the lives of others and open this gym.  You built it and they came.”

“Isn’t that a line from a Kevin Costner movie?”

We both laughed.

“I think so. 
Field of Dreams
.  But I always loved
Dances with Wolves
.  I guess we could call tonight
Spanking with Seals
.”

“Spanking?”

“Heck yeah.  ‘Cause you kicked my butt!”

We laughed again.  We found ourselves doing that a lot together.  I liked it.

“So you’ll be back here tomorrow?”