Last night I received a phone call from one of my Professors and long time friends, Steve Gable. He said he was invited down to Balboa Military Hospital in San Diego to put on a BJJ seminar for some of the 'Wounded Warriors' that were there getting rehabilitated and asked if I would like to accompany him to help out. At first I was very nervous simply because BJJ in its simplicity is a Martial Art that requires a person to use their entire body. Not that I didn't feel they would have a good time, rather, I did not want them to feel uncomfortable or depressed when being shown movements they would not be able to do. With that emotion felt I eagerly accepted and told Steve I would be there to help for sure! I am so glad I did!
We had the opportunity to teach the basic techniques of BJJ and tailor it to each 'Wound Soldiers' physical needs. Above and beyond the 'techniques' shown was something far greater, we had the opportunity to thank a group of Men and Women that made great sacrifices for OUR freedoms! It was truly an emotionally upbuilding and humbling experenice to say the least.
Getting to hear each one of their stories and spend a few moments with each of them clarified many things to me, but, there were two that stood above the rest: 1) I am beyond honored and proud to be born and raised in a country that has such amazing people in it that they would risk life and limb for citizens whom they do not know, nor will ever receive the glory for doing so, fighting and dying for my freedoms! 2) I need to start appreciating and never taking for granted the physical and mental abilities I am privileged to have on a daily basis!
Thank you to Steve Gable, those Commanding Officers who set it up and all the 'Wounded Warriors' for giving me this opportunity that I will never forget!
One Country, One Love
Proud AMERICAN Citizen
Mark Doze
No comments:
Post a Comment