IronOnline Bash 01
John Boley's Bash Report

Too many positive sensations to outline in one message; however, the following are a FEW of my favorite memories from this weekend.

1. Watching my oldest son cry and laugh at the same time as he chopped peppers next to the already chopped onions to be added later to the salads.

2. Watching Dr. Ken "dicing" potatos in earnest as if he were focused on completing a very heavy set of squats.

3. Sitting on the deck in front of "the" gym sipping on "Juicy Lucy" smoothies, and having the honor of the No. 1 Bomber himself, stop by to personally greet and shake hands with both myself and my two sons. My boys were both in awe, and stated almost in unison, "Wow, he's really big . . . and he has a really strong grip . . . ow!"

4. Hearing the movie audience erupt in applause when Dave appeared on the "big screen".

5. Hearing Dr. Ken describe the golden age of weight training by noting simply and succintly that "everyone just wanted to get big and strong . . .and when we went to the gym, we beat the ---- out of the weights!"

6. Seeing two legends of bodybuilding - Dave and Ed - hug each other in the middle of the seminar.

7. Watching over a hundred bombers rush to the food line at once - panting for the "free meat" and causing a minor earth tremor in the process.

8. Watching a number of bodybuilders (such as myself) scurry back to their tables, in a failed attempt to "hide" their cups of ice cream (it was really good).

9. Driving over the hill to our home in San Jose, with full tummies, a relaxed feeling, and big grins on all our faces. More to come later . . must train now....

Later... The title of the newspaper article posted by Laree, "Bonded by Iron" was an extraordinarily accurate description of this group. It reminds me of a highly cohesive family unit, supportive and affectionate, while secure enough to challenge one another.

This was made explicit by my youngest son's experience during the recent weekend affair; first, some background on his own situation. Kyle (who is 13) was diagnosed approximately one year ago with a neurological disorder referred to as Tourette Syndrome - it is a "tic" disorder manifested in uncontrollable body movements and vocalizations; approximately two months following his initial diagnosis, Kyle was further diagnosed with a "co-morbid" companion disorder: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder(in Kyle's case it has resulted in ritualistic behaviors including even "minor" forms of self-multilation).

Kyle has experienced extensive verbal and physical harrassment at school, has been forced to cope with ignorant teachers devoid of empathy (despite federally mandated accomodations), and has been less than comfortable at home with erratic sleep patterns. He has been forced to significantly "pull back" from his karate training, has lost all but one of his so-called "friends" and has essentially become a recluse in his own home. He is fearful of venturing outside due to his lack of control over the tics and fear of embarrassment - a fear which causes stress, which further exacerbates his situation.

On more than one occasion, I have seen Kyle sobbing uncontrollably in the middle of his bedroom floor, because he was unable to complete a simple homework assignment ( he has always been a straight A student). Following extensive neurological and psychiatric "workups", my son has been prescribed a wide range of very potent psychotropics and an anti-depressant. While they have signifcantly aided in the control of his symptoms, the symptoms nonetheless still persist, and Kyle now has to also cope with the side-effects of the meds. They have included chronic lethargy, drowsiness, a skin disorder, a mild speech impediment, and sudden weight gain (he has always been very lean, "hard", and flexible).

I have attempted to gently prod him into weight training with some light, at least sporadic, compound exercises - peformed when we both have time.

Now, back to the weekend . . Kyle was somewhat hesitant to attend the weekend affair, but I talked up the experience including what an honor it would be to meet Dave Draper, the fun we could have at the Boardwalk, the movies, and the good food. He gradually worked up an interest, and finally "conceded" after learning that he could assist with the food preparation.

Without describing every detail of every situation - Kyle had a great time! The overall atmoshpere was relaxed, fun, fast-paced, and . . . well, like a giant family reunion. With the exception of some very minor problems during the seminar, and falling asleep during the movie (sorry, Dave), Kyle was largely symptom-free the entire weekend!

I could not help contrast the above observation of Kyle on his bedroom floor with my observation on Saturday of a 13 year old kid, smiling from ear to ear, with a giant "smear" of chocolate ice cream on his face. For the first time in a LONG time, my son was just one of the crowd - a family "Bonded by Iron".

Kyle has since insisted that I purchase some Bomber Blend so he can concoct some new protein recipes, and he now wants to train early in the AM before he takes his meds, irrespective of his disorder. To all you fellow bombers, thank you; and for Dave and Laree, I cannot begin to convey my gratitude for your hospitality, nor can I ever truly describe what a profound experience this weekend was for my family.

John Boley

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