For the last nine weeks, I have shared the story of Nathan Hendricks, a tale of bravery, defeat, and struggle. Nathan’s date with Gangucha stripped his life of independence and confidence, and he is left with dependence and uncertainty. After months of grueling therapy and “learning to live”, Nathan is asked to return to the rodeo to watch his dad ride. Despite his frustration and anxiety, he eventually agrees to watch his dad. Nathan Hendricks will once again take the spot by the fence—not as the excited little boy—not as the young, successful rodeo star, but as the man who will always be remembered by the rodeo.
Three Seconds
“As soon as we can get you ready,” she says, throwing down the towel on the counter.
Nathan finds the drive long and yet too short; a million thoughts race through his head. What will everyone think of my wheelchair? How will everyone treat me? Will I be able to handle sitting on the sidelines again? He doesn’t know the answers, but with each passing mile he’s coming closer to them. As his mom pulls on to the rodeo yard, Nathan sees the usual frenzy of men putting on gear, clowns making the crowd laugh, and horses sunning themselves in the corral. Everything seems surreal. I belong to that world, Nathan thinks. I owned that world, but now my chair owns me. A knock on the window startles Nathan from his thoughts; he looks over and sees Jake. Nathan’s mom rolls down the window.
“What are you doing here?” Nathan asks, smiling.
“Your old man is riding Gangucha,” Jake says, pulling out the wheelchair. “We’ve got to hurry; he’s about ready to ride!”
Nathan looks over at his mom and says, “He can’t ride Gangucha; he’s going to get hurt. I can’t watch that!”
“Maybe you should just believe in him like he did with you,” his mom says, as she and Jake lift him into the chair. “I have no control over what bull he rides.” She snaps the seatbelt into place. “All right, you’re ready to go; you can catch a ride home with dad.” She gives him a quick pat on the shoulder before jumping back into the car.
“Are you ready for a bumpy ride?” Jake asks, as he begins pushing the chair over the grass.
“Just sit me over there by that railing. That way you won’t have to push me very far.”
“Don’t you want to see your dad before he rides?”
“No, he’ll know where to look to find me. Besides, he’s going to need the time to focus himself before riding Gangucha.” Jake shoves the brakes forward and kneels beside Nathan. For a few moments, neither of them speaks, but both stare ahead at the empty ring. Nathan looks around and notices many people staring at his chair; a tinge of anger and resentment boils within him. He knows those people no longer see him as Nathan Hendricks, but they now see him as the young man who played with Gangucha a little too long. They don’t understand, Nathan thinks. They don’t know what it feels like to straddle a raging bull; they have never experienced the challenge and exhilaration of a successful ride; they don’t know what addicting force pulls at a rider.
“Hey, there’s your dad,” Jake says, pointing to the left side of the ring. Nathan looks over and sees his dad standing on the gate and looking over Gangucha. Nathan hears the thumping of Gangucha against the sides of the chute; he knows the “devil” is in ill-temper.
His dad glances over at the railing, and for a second, their eyes meet. He smile and tips his hat before descending onto Gangucha’s back. Nathan looks away; he still can’t believe he’s going to watch his dad’s ride. Why did I come? I’m the one who’s supposed to be on that beast; I’m the one who’s supposed to bring his fall. A roar of cheers erupts, jolting Nathan from his thoughts. He watches as the gate swings open and Gangucha emerges in a whirlwind.
Nathan peers at his dad; he’s sitting firmly: feet securely wrapped, hand tightly positioned, arm held high. Gangucha pivots right, then left, back legs kick, and then twists again. Nathan watches the clock…one second, two seconds, three seconds; he looks over to his dad and sees him willingly dismounting.
“What in the world?” Nathan says. “He had a good ride going. Is he hurt?”
“I don’t know,” Jake answers.
Nathan looks up and sees his dad running towards him. He reaches the railing, leans over, and says, “There’s your three seconds, son!”
The End
No comments:
Post a Comment