Memories are important reminders
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When I sat down this morning to write a blog post, I had an idea that I wanted to write about. I write a blog post for the Kids S.A.F.E. Foundations’ website every other week. I do it because I find it therapeutic, and I also want to help our SEO on our website. We use SEO to help reach the public and help fill classes. It is very much like trolling when fishing. We put out all of these different feelers via social media and our website in hopes that, eventually, families find our content and get involved with the important work that we do in the community. Today, I was going to write about revolvers. This changed immediately when I opened up my Facebook. Every morning, I look at my memories. This morning, a memory popped up about the first time I was on the range with Ryker. A flood of emotions came over me from watching that short clip. There may have been tears shed, mostly out of pride. I was so proud of him and what we had accomplished as a team. It was arguably one of the most powerful moments of my career as the President of the foundation.
I immediately changed course, out with the revolver, and immediately started thinking about what I would say in this post. This post began over two years ago with a chance meeting with a young man and his father. I was setting up for a class at the Cabela’s in Tualatin when the door opened. They were early, and I invited them in while I continued to set up our gun safety class for children. One thing that I noticed early was the white cane with the red tip. As we talked, I learned more about them both. I was excited for the rest of the families to arrive so that we could teach our Kids Firearm Safety 1 class. This is our bedrock-type class that empowers our children if they are ever put in a dangerous position. After the class, we all took a picture for our IG page. We walked together back to the classroom, and I asked Ryker what we could do to make the experience better for him or others who face challenges in learning. I saw his face light up, and he asked, “Can I touch the guns?” I looked at Dad, thought for a second, and said, “Yes!”
We started with the Ruger SP101, which is a double-action revolver. I safety-checked it for “Clear,” and Dad did the same. One thing that I had never thought about is how the blind can get involved with our program, but also how their eyes are, in reality, their fingers. If Ryker was ever to come across a firearm, he would need to know where the trigger was and where the muzzle was pointed. As I videoed Dad teaching his son the different parts of the revolver, I got choked up. It was an amazing and inspiring moment to behold. The light bulb went off!! What I had always advocated for years was limiting my ability to educate those who have vision issues. While we never recommend that young children ever handle a firearm because of the potential dangers involved. We had to understand if we truly wanted to be inclusive, we had to evolve and change our approach. It was from that moment we forever changed the way that we educate children. We then started the complete process over again with a Glock 17. That was a powerful moment as well. After the class, I posted the videos on our social media channels. The response was amazing. It was inspirational to all who saw the videos. We were encouraged by all of the support, and our friend John Petrolino even did a story in Bearing Arms.
A few months went by, and we planned for Ryker to join us on the range. There was a tremendous amount of planning that went into our first class. I spent time developing tools that would help with different areas of the process. First, I taught myself some basic braille, and I modified the magazine that would go in Rykers’ rifle. The braille helped correctly orient the magazine so that it made it easy for him to load and load into the mag well. We met for dinner a few nights before our first class on the range so that I could give him some homework to work on. What has always impressed me about Ryker was his attitude and can-do spirit. No matter what he chooses to do in life, he will be a success!
The day finally came for the time on the range. I was nervous because of the unknown, but I believed in the process and our ability to keep everyone safe. All of the work that we had put in ahead of time made all of the difference. We had the process in place. We had the people in place, and lastly, we had a very competent young man. All went the way that we envisioned. Everyone was safe, and we gave a very unique opportunity to a very special young man. At the end of the class, I guided him back to the rifle rack. He carried his rifle, just like the kid next to him. Normalcy was something that we were aspiring to create for this family. We wanted him to have the same experience as any other child who would join us for a class. In this regard, the class was a resounding success. In the end, I took his rifle and gave him his chamber flag. Tears streamed down my face as I gave him a little pep talk about all of what he had just accomplished. The tears came from a place of pride. He did it! It was so amazing to be a part of.
This was a good memory to come across, and it gives a fresh perspective to the important work that we do. It is a motivator and will help us push forward to do more and to help more. Of the people, for the people, and by the people. Until next time. Be safe!!!