CHAPTER 11
The sound of the alarm clock hits me like an incoming mortar. I jump out of bed and assume the ready position. Flashbacks. I was hoping some improvement in this area might get the ball rolling in my overall improvement. Not happening yet. PTSD is just four letters until you meet someone else who’s fighting it. Service member or not. But when you get it yourself, it becomes all too real. You’re body jumps to fight or flight.
I look at the clock and go through the prior days events in my mind. The delivery today. Right. In and out of the shower and down to see Jeremiah and Jill finishing up breakfast.
“We thought you weren’t going to wake up.”
“Yeah, I was out cold.”
“Want a lift to the gym?”
“Sure.”
“Ok. We’ll drop Jill off at school first then head over to wait on the mats.”
“Perfect.”
“Congratulations on the gym, Uncle Caleb.” Jill flashes me a big smile with a couple of key teeth missing. She was at that age were soon cute would become adolescence. It’s an exciting period of transition for a kid. She was handling it well.
“Thanks, Jill. How’s everything at school?”
“Oh, it’s good. Jimmy Ratcliff brought a snake yesterday in his backpack and turned it lose in math. A lot of people screamed, but I knew it wasn’t going to hurt anyone. Plus it’s better to be calm around animals. If you panic they might panic too.”
“Very true. And you didn’t get bit?”
Jill laughs. “Very funny.”
“Not even a little peck on the cheek with his long tongue?”
“Oh, gross. That would feel weird.”
“Yes it would.”
“Have you ever been kissed by a snake before, Uncle Caleb?”
Jeremiah about spits out his cereal laughing.
“What’s so funny, dad?”
“Nothing, honey. Let’s let Uncle Caleb answer.”
“Well, Jill. I can’t say I have, but I can say that I kissed a snake.”
“Really? Why did you do that?”
“Team building.”
“A team of snakes?”
We all laughed.
“No. We were training in Thailand with their special forces. Your dad was there too. The Thais demonstrated how to kiss a cobra. They asked for one volunteer from our SEAL team. For some reason I volunteered.” I say.
“Wow. Really?”
“Yeah.”
“And you kissed him.”
“Somehow, yes. It took a long time and a lot of courage, but you are right. Eventually I realized I had to keep calm. The calmer I was the easier it was to get closer to the cobra.”
“And you weren’t scared?”
“I was terrified. At least at first.”
“Wow. I’m going to tell everyone at school that.”
“You might not have to, honey.”
“Why dad?”
“Caleb.”
“Jill, I’m going to come to your school today and give a presentation. About discipline, fitness, and making the right choices for you as an individual.”
“You’re coming to school! Today?”
“Yep.”
“Cool! I can’t wait.”
“Do you have Ms. Compton for math last period?”
“No. I have math in the morning. And Ms. Compton isn’t my teacher for any subjects. I just met her for the first time in the parking lot during Parent’s Day.”
“Ok. Well then, we won’t see each other. At least in the classroom. Maybe in the halls though or after school.”
Jill laughs.
“What’s so funny?”
“So today dad will come to school to pick us both up.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“You’re like Billy Madison. Back to school.”
“Very funny. Not like that, but yes, I’m going back to school today.”
“Cool. I can’t wait.”
“OK, team. Are we ready to head out?” Jeremiah says..
“You bet.” I reply
“OK, we’re off.”
We drop Jill off at school and head to the gym just in time to take the shipment. We lay out the mats and then head back out for light bulbs and some simple sparring gloves at the sporting good store in case anyone who is a little more advanced signs up.
We stop for a long lunch and catch up on old times like Thailand. Cobras, jungle militants, and beautiful beaches. All amazingly close to inebriated backpackers enjoying gap year travel and summer holidays. Hard to believe how close chaos was to paradise. After lunch we return to the gym and put in all the lights.
“That does it. We’re ready to go.” Jeremiah says.
“We are. And now if you don’t mind can I get a ride to school?”
“A ride? Brother, I’m going to sit in on this presentation. If it’s OK with you at least.”
“That would be the best.”
“Then let’s do this.”
An urban handshake and a slaps on the shoulder and we're off.
We arrive at the reception and I immediately noticed a familiar face. She stands and offered her hand.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Callahan. Nice to see you again.”
“My pleasure. Last time I didn’t get your––”
“Rebecca. Rebecca Rader.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rader.”
“All mine, Mr. Callahan. And sorry if I was a little rough around the edges last time.”
“I didn’t even notice. Believe me, where I come from that qualifies as a warm welcome.”
Rebecca laughs. “Miss Compton told me about your background. Very impressive.”
“Thanks. Definitely some interesting times. Any time I don’t have to kick down a door I feel like a VIP visitor.”
Rebecca laughs again. “Well you’re definitely our VIP here at the school today. Everyone has been talking about your visit.”
“Great. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone. Especially the students. It’s been awhile since I was their age and I want to see where they’re at. Emotionally, mentally, and of course physically.”
“We have a lot of great kids. That’s for sure. But I think once they hear your story they’ll want to become even greater.”
“I hope so and yes, I’m excited about the possibilities for the youth of our town.”
Jeremiah raised an eyebrow and gives me a curious look. Mouthing “our town” as a question.
He was right. What was I doing? I was already claiming myself as a part of the community. Part of me said to slow down and earn that respect, but I’m not a patient person. If I can do something positive I want to do it immediately. That was definitely the case here.
“As are we. So without further ado please allow me to show you to Miss Compton’s classroom. Right this way.”
As we walk down the hallways each class seems to suddenly come to a standstill. Two 6’5” men who have obviously spent too much time in the sun and a lot of time training their bodies are a stark contrast to young kids no older than 12. We even catch the teachers staring. I had forgot what that feeling was like. When our SEAL teams entered a village the whole community stopped. Warriors in the ultimate sense. A team of warriors. An impressive sight to behold.
As we arrived at Grace’s classroom I see her eyes move from the children to the doorway. The entire class turns in one uniform movement. Most have their mouths open and looks of amazement in their eyes. I never needed any sort of attention in my life, but I had to admit the kids were really pumping me up. I was beyond excited to begin my presentation.
Grace nearly skips to the door to greet us.
“Miss Compton. Your guests,” Rebecca announces.
“Thank you, Miss Rader.”
I turn just in time to see Rebecca give Grace a wink and a grin. Good. Maybe the girls were already talking about us. If they’re excited about our visit it’s more than likely the kids will be too.
“Hello Gentlemen.”
“Hello, Miss Compton.” I offered my hand and we shake hands. “This is Mr. Jeremiah Jackson. I hope you don’t mind, but I brought him along today. His background is similar to mine and he wants to help.”
I could see Grace doing the mental gymnastics. Jackson. Jill’s father. The man she mistook me for. I hadn’t thought of the weirdness this might bring, but maybe I should have. Of course I didn’t mean anything by it. Thankfully she didn’t seem to mind at all.
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Jackson.”
“Please to meet you, Miss Compton.”
“Ok. Shall we begin?”
“Definitely. We’re itching to get started.”
Grace motions for us to go to the front of the room.
“Will Jeremiah be speaking as well?” She asks quietly.
“Just observing. But I’m sure he might want to offer some help at some point.”
“OK.” She pulls out a chair for Jeremiah. He sits and I stand by his side. We were in the front of the classroom towards the corner.
“OK, everyone. Our very special guest has arrived and he has brought another very special guest. Please join me in welcoming Mr. Callahan and Mr. Jackson.”
The kids begin clapping excitedly while staring at both of us. Jeremiah stands up. Side by side we're quite the spectacle. I look at the blackboard and noticed the words “Welcome Mr. Callahan” in big chalk letters. Grace catches me looking and quickly makes her way to the blackboard and adds the words “and Mr. Jackson.” I look at Jeremiah and he smirks.
As the children’s claps die down Grace moves to the podium.
“Mr. Callahan is a Navy SEAL. He is here today to talk about discipline, fitness, and becoming the best you that you want to be. Achieving the things that you want to achieve. We may have different goals, but there are some common factors that can help just about all of us achieve those goals. No matter how different they might be. Please give your attention to Mr. Callahan. U.S. Navy SEAL.”
Grace backs away from the podium and extended her arms toward it motioning the floor was all mine. Jeremiah takes a seat and I take two steps to my left. Close to the podium, but in an open area. I knew I was going to be excited and would need to move around. Also, it’s an old presentation trick to keep the audience’s attention. I had their attention now, but I didn’t have much experience with kids of this age and had no idea how long I’d be able to keep it.
“Thank you for having me today. This afternoon there are more than 30 students in this classroom. On average, each of you will meet over 10,000 people in your lifetime. 10,000 people. That’s a lot of people. That’s the entire fan section of the basketball gym here on our campus. Three times. Imagine that. Every seat in our basketball gym filled. Three times. A lot of people.”
“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’s 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. Gotten 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. Jeremiah’s gaze was already there to meet theirs. I didn’t need to look at him to know. I already knew. Plus I could see it with my peripheral vision.
“This man saved 12 lives.” The student’s eyes move 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. The 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 those resources. Or to make those 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. Jackson. Mr. Jackson 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 7 p.m. 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 stop. The children were still frozen in their seats. Even Grace seemed a bit taken back. No one spoke. Then suddenly a small boy in the back of the class who had been leaning forward in 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 up?”
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 up 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 imagine 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 Grace’s hand on my back. I turned and she motioned to join her on the other side of the room.
“Caleb, 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 laugh.
“Adults are welcome too Grace. 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.”
“Caleb, I’m infected. I got the bite. I’m all in on the Kool-Aid. Sign me up.”
I laughed. “No Kool-Aid, Grace. 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.”
Grace 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 move to leave. One little girl put her hand up.
“Yes, Katie.”
“Miss Compton, where do we go at 7 p.m.?”
I walked to the chalkboard and wrote down the address. Grace tore out some small sheets of paper and began copying it while some of the kids took pictures of the chalkboard with their smartphones.
“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 look over at Jeremiah and he raises both eyebrows.
“When did you learn to do math?” He says.
“You mean multiply by ten?”
“And keep the cumulative total running.”
“You’re not underestimating me after all these years are you?”
“Never.”
We shake hands and share a grin.
“And what’s up with opening tonight? Your enthusiasm was a little in overdrive, huh?”
“You know me. I get 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 Jill to see where she’s at. She’s probably waiting for us out front.” He says.
“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.”
Jeremiah always has my back. “Thanks, brother. Would love to have you there. Side by side again.”
“Don’t forget about me!” Grace says.
I turn to see Grace 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 give her an inquisitive look.
“Heck no, but I heard you say 30 students. I’m coming too!”
We all laugh.
“You’re darn right you are. Right there from day one.”
“Caleb, Jill just texted me. She’s out front. We should really get going.”
“Definitely.”
I turn to Grace. “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 give her a wink. “And thanks again for letting us come by.”
“My pleasure. And I can’t wait. To see you. I mean to see.”
Freudian slip. It’s on now.