Coming of Age

(Isabelle and I ran several blocks to get our first glimpse of Josiah who looked weary and yet relieved.  They carried the flags through the entire 14+ hour ordeal.) 

In the last 24 hours, my son became a man in my eyes.

I thought he already was .... but I didn't realize how much more my admiration could grow.

It all started 3 months ago.

That's when he told us (not asked, told) that he had signed up and was going to begin training for the GoRuck Challenge to be held September 28.

GoRuck?   What's that, we inquired.  Thankfully, we didn't investigate too deeply or this Mama would have never been able to give my blessing.

(I'm not sure I ever did, by the way) .... It was a right of passage for him and for me and so, 

as with so many things over the past 18 years ..... we encouraged his efforts, voiced our concerns, and then watched from the wings.

 (On their final march back to the Capitol -- 14 hours 30 minutes from beginning)

It began at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  Josiah, his two friends from church he'd trained with, and 23 strangers met in the dark on the Capitol steps of Boise and began what would be 14+ hours of intense mental and physical effort.

GoRuck is a physical challenge of strength and endurance directed by a Special Forces military leader who essentially takes them through 12 hours of team building exercises (think basic training for the common man).

But there's a catch.

They must do it all with ruck sacks on their back filled with 30 lbs. of bricks with a total pack weight of 40-50lbs.

 (The entire 26 member team after 14 hours 30 minutes)

The stories are just beginning to emerge but a few details stand out to me from Josiah's disclosure -- like the 3 hours of drill work and pure strength endurance in the dark, through sand, with people vomiting around you and begging to quit.

And the 800 lb. log that was carried by the group (on land and through water) for 10 miles.

Or the hike carrying a chain or a huge tire up the side of a large peak -- when you're soaking wet and have never felt that cold before.

Or the fact that the other families knew that someone had blown out his knee ... and would need to be carried or helped through the remainder of the hours.

They started as a team.  They were to finish as a team -- no matter what.

They were yelled at.  Sworn at.  Belittled.  The goal -- to break their individual spirits so that they fight and push and work as a team.

On our part, there was a lot of not knowing, praying fervently, fear, trust in God to care for and protect, and then elation at the first sight of him and knowing that he had made it .....

It was relief as I've yet to know in my 18 years of motherhood.

Somehow I don't think these three young men will ever be the same.

Survival does that to you.

When you know what you can handle, it somehow shapes the choices you make.

 (Josiah and his friend from church have trained together faithfully for two months.  During this challenge they had to literally carry and pull eachother through obstacles.  The strengthening of these relationships has been an unexpected bonus.)

Friendships have deepened and new experiences that most of us will never undertake have just been walked with courage and determination.

It's pretty amazing and you'll have to forgive me because just now .... 

I stand a little bit in awe.

Way to go son.  We are incredibly proud of you.