The crucible of trying situations can create a bond that is a treasure and can endure. High school teams, religious rites, fraternity rituals, and time in the service can do that even if, in retrospect, we grasp that we were spoon-fed a rich dose of rhetoric in our feckless youth designed to program us to submit without question. Even those who later discern the process still share an affinity with their fellow subjects of the indoctrination.
Later in life, we enter challenging situations on our own free will with eyes wide open. Because of that, the ensuing relationships can be even richer. Such was the training session I participated in over the past couple days.
It was a training exercise in advanced sea kayaking conducted on Lake Erie, which would provide the proper stage for a trying regimen. The eight of us had paddled kayaks for years, but it would be more than a stretch to classify any of us as advanced in skills or ability. The average age was north of fifty.
We camped together the night before. I know these guys and could tell something weighed upon them. Cold water, high winds and waves, and self-doubt. I’m sure there was some element of projection, as I had my own concerns.
But, once we had leapt into the fire, self-concern evaporated. We all encouraged and applauded each other, keeping a sharp eye out for anyone who showed any sign of fear or fatigue. It was two long and exhausting days of testing our ability and waning stamina, but the bond grew in strength and buoyed the group.
In the end, there was a profound sense of accomplishment; accomplishment as individuals, but also as a unit. Some relationships existed going in, in varying degrees of intensity. But, coming out, there was something much more.
We are all changed and enriched for the better. And, it has little to do with the enhanced abilities. This was something that will always be important to us. And, we are all grateful for the gift.
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