Garth Rides For Hope

Chapter 1                                                                                                     A Little Bit Of Tail

Regina Saskatchewan, October 25 1985

 

    First year university students will do nearly anything to get laid and tonight Chad was being the poster boy for the stereotype. Kelly was hot, ridiculously so, had a killer body and now she had a firm grip on his hand as she pulled him through jumble of bodies in the pressing crowd.

    Because of a bad case of the flu, he should have stayed at home, finished his Anthropology paper that's due in a couple of days and crashed early in attempt to get rid the bug that has been plaguing him for the past week. Instead he's here at a demonstration by some weird old Yogi, pretending that he really is interested in this weird shit. Fighting off the urge to cough he thought.

    "All of this effort better pay off with me getting a little something tonight."

    Kelly had worked her way up to the front, to a spot that was exactly in the center of a slightly raised platform being used as a stage for tonight's performance. There she stopped, pulled Chad into the tight embrace of a long warm hug and whispered something weird into his ear.

    "Namaste"

    She then sat cross-legged on the floor and motioned for Chad to join her. He slowly dropped down and tried to emulate the Lotus position that she was sitting in, but his 6 ft tall, long, lean, hockey player's body, just wouldn't bend in any of the right ways. Instead, he did his best impression of that famous position and sat as close to her as possible. Their knees and shoulders were touching and he was surprised to feel some sort of shock run through his body, rapidly spreading out from the points where they made contact. Kelly obviously felt it as well and gave him a searching, curious look before she started to babble.

    "Chad, Isn't this exciting? I'm so happy that your interested in this kind of stuff. I've been doing Yoga for a couple of years and to get a chance to hear a Yogi as accomplished as the Master speak, is really a once in a lifetime thing."

    Without a moments hesitation Chad looked deep into her trusting light blue eyes and lied.

    "I know, even though I have never done any Yoga, I have always been keenly interested in Eastern Mysticism and truly believe that we should keep our mind's wide open in a life long search for knowledge."

    In reality he was thinking.

    "This is going to be one very long, boring evening and I really needed to put another wild cherry cough drop into my mouth before my throat got too sore."

    After looking up and down Kelly’s incredibly fit body one more time, his slightly deceitful internal monologue continued.

    "If I can continue to pretend that I am really interested in this weird stuff, then I think that I will more than likely get a chance to see her naked and run my hands all over that sexy body of her's"

    The house lights dimmed and an older dark skinned man of indeterminate age approached the lectern. His head was completely shaved and he wore a simple white garment made of a rough homespun material that resembled a long shirt, the hem of which brushed the tops of his worn leather sandals. Smiling benevolently while spreading his arms out wide, he held his hands completely open and turned his palms upwards, towards the heavens, before he spoke into the microphone.

    "Namaste"

    Chad looked around the room and was surprised to see many of the people in the audience, including his friend Kelly, place their hands together in front of their hearts, point their fingers straight up, bow slightly and return the salutation.

    "Namaste"

    For the next hour the Master slowly spoke in a thick accented singsong voice and taught the assembled, that Yoga was an exercise and meditative discipline, that strengthened one's body and mind, enabling their spirit in the search for Nirvana or Enlightenment. The practice of Yoga, ultimately allowed the body of it's devotee’s to sit for incredibly long periods of time, losing ego or all sense of self, while clearing their minds, allowing them to painlessly pursue their sacred quest.

    Many of Yoga's more advanced practitioners were able to exert an extraordinary amount of control over their fear, and several of the body's Involuntary Operations: such as the Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems. As a means to an end, Yogi's could control their breathing and heart-rate, effectively placing their body’s into a form of suspended animation. This state of being allowed them to mediate for incredibly long periods of time without the need for warmth, food or the elimination of waste.

    In-spite of his expectations, Chad actually enjoyed listening to the Master. He wasn't entirely sure that he believed or totally understood everything that he was being taught, but found the possibilities inherent in his teachings incredibly exciting. Now he was looking forward to the demonstration that the Master had promised. On the stage to the left of the lectern was a large glass tank, that measured approximately 5 feet square, 30 inches high and was 3/4 filled with water. In front of the tank was a empty clear glass box, measuring approximately 18 inches square.

    Two burly looking helpers approached the stage and now stood either side of the smaller glass box. The Master walked between them and pulled his robe up over his head, revealing a wiry, lean, totally ripped body beneath. Now, dressed in only a white loin cloth that Chad later learned is called a Langouti, the Master spent the next few minuets stretching, striking various poses, all of which had weird or funny names and Kelly happily whispered each and every one of them into Chad's ear. Eventually the Master finished loosening up and approached the smaller glass box, where he confidently stepped inside, and slowly began to contort his body, impossibly folding it completely into it's ridiculously small interior. As soon as he had every last bit packed inside, one of his assistants placed a lid on to the top of the box, sealing the Master inside. Next both helpers picked up the box and together stepped over the wall of the larger tank and shuffled to it's very center, there they pushed the box with the Master still inside, under the surface of the water to the tank's very bottom. Then one of them held the box there, while the other picked up a 50 pound weight and placed it on top of the box, and repeated the procedure with a second weight. Satisfied that the two weights would keep the glass box in place, both assistants stepped out of the tank, quickly dried their feet and promptly left the stage.

    Chad and Kelly had watched the whole thing from the front row, mere inches from the action taking place on the low stage. Chad took another cough drop from his pocket and snuck it into his mouth, before leaning close to Kelly and quietly asking.

    "How long are they going to leave him in there?"

    Kelly thought for an instant before provocatively closing the short distance between them, with her soft lips gently brushing his ear, she teasingly whispered.

    "I think that I remember hearing that they were going to leave him under the water for a full half of an hour."

    Chad was dumbfounded and the look on his face mirrored exactly that. He reached his arm around Kelly's shoulders, pulled her close and was happy to feel her slide towards him and place her head gently on his shoulder. Staring straight ahead, he took a long moment to enjoy the warmth and the energy of their bodies touching, then he quietly stated the obvious.

    "This is real ... I mean we were right here ... There aren't any trap doors or mirrors ... The Master is really in that tiny box and under the water at the bottom of that tank. If I was watching this at home ... On television ... I would probably be able to come up with at least a hundred ways to explain exactly how they were trying to trick us. What do you think?"

    Kelly was off in a world of her own and took a while to realize that a response was expected from her.

    "Hmmmm ... The Master really is 100% legitimate. I have been following his teachings for quite a while and would absolutely love to spend some time at his Ashram in India. In fact, if I can afford it ... I was thinking of going there this summer and trying to become a Yoga Instructor. You know that I have been practicing Yoga for more than a little while and just now I was lost in thought ... Wondering if I could fit myself into that little box."

    People in the audience began to approach the stage and were soon up on it, circling the tank and verifying for themselves that everything was above board. Chad and Kelly needed to stretch their legs, so they joined the group up on the stage and after a quick examination, agreed with the overwhelming majority. The Master was indeed still in the glass box at the bottom of the water filled tank.

    Shortly before the half hour expired they returned to their spots in front of the stage and a gong sounded just as they sat down. The Master's two burly helpers reappeared, quickly stepped into the tank and began removing the two weights that had been holding the box down. The air in the auditorium was thick with an energy, that was comprised of both excitement and anticipation. If you were to add to that, a profound dread, it might just come close to describing what Chad was experiencing. As the glass box broke the surface it was alarmingly evident that it had leaked. From Chad's point of view, he could clearly see that it was 1/3 filled with water and that the Master's tightly closed mouth was completely submerged. A collective gasp erupted from the audience and concerned rumblings started rolling though the crowd. Chad was very concerned and couldn't control his negative thoughts.

    "He's dead ... Nobody could have survived that ... What an awful way to die ... Imagine being trapped in that little box and feeling the water seeping in ... Slowly rising until it covers your mouth and you have no choice but to breath it in and drown ... The fear ... The panic he must have felt ... I feel sick ... What a waste"       On the stage, the two assistants had already stepped out of the tank and placed the box down in front of it. One of them reached into his pocket and pulled out a tool, which he quickly used to break the seal and pop the top off the glass box. Their task complete, the assistants immediately left the stage. The opened box was dramatically lit by an overhead spotlight and every eye in the place was locked onto it. The audience collectively held it's breath and together ... As one ... Gasped. When a sinewy brown arm jerkily emerged from the box, extended and pointed skyward. The entire gathering sat quietly, in a state of stunned disbelief while the Master slowly unfolded his body. Soon the Yogi was standing completely erect and then gracefully stepped out of the box. There he stood, smiling benevolently and slowly brought his hands together in front of his heart. Then exclaimed in a clear confident voice, that could be heard at the far reaches of the hall.

    "Namaste."

   The entire gathering rose to their feet and with an overwhelming outpouring of energy replied in same.

    "Namaste."

    Chad opened his arms and they were immediately filled by Kelly, who hugged him tightly and covered his face with little kisses. Chad had completely forgotten all about his Bronchitis and sore throat. He was overjoyed and confidently, couldn't help but think.

    "I'm getting some tonight."

 

Chapter 2                                                           Beginnings

Regina Saskatchewan, June 25 1967

   On this day at the Regina General Hospital, 10 pound 4 ounce, Chad Christopher Clements came into this world screaming at the top of his tiny lungs. His German and Finnish Ancestry combined to produce a very fair skinned, blonde haired and blue eyed baby. Being an only child, his parents Dennis and Wendy doted upon him and did everything in their power to ensure that they raised a literate, well rounded individual.

    Chad started taking piano lessons at the age of 5 and quickly showed an aptitude for all things musical. His sharp mind, quickly memorized the pieces he was learning and his natural artistic talents' had him writing small compositions of his own at a very young age.

    Growing up in a neighbourhood full of young middle class families, resulted in a large

peer group, which quickly toughened him. Living in the Football and Hockey mad City of Regina, guaranteed that he not only played but excelled at both. As a child, Chad was smaller than the average but rather than see his size as a handicap, he worked twice as hard as his teammates. This characteristic nearly always resulted in him playing in a starring role and his easy going attitude and natural charisma ensured that he was usually elected as one of the team's Captains.

    Chad loved to read and his Library Card was well worn. An early love for Science Fiction, gradually morphed to include the Fantasy genre. He was a regular at the local branch and the staff there even held new releases by his favourite authors for him.

    Chad possessed a unique type of charisma and by exerting the slightest bit of effort, seemed to be able to convince those around him into doing whatever it was that he wanted them to do. His mother Wendy, loved to embarrass him by telling an old story from his early childhood. One hot summer day, while playing with a large group of little boys and girls, four year old Chad led a parade of his peers. They all filed out the back door, each playing an instrument of some type. The single file parade, proceeded down their street and turned to the left at the next busy intersection, they had to turn because none of them were allowed to cross a busy street without a parent. The impromptu procession continued with all of its members marching in time, knees pumping high and those that didn't have to blow an instrument singing as loud as they possibly could. Every car that passed showed their appreciation by honking and all of the pedestrians they encountered applauded enthusiastically. Well ... It appears that not everyone was entirely pleased to see their performance. Marge Shuster from across the back alley, the proud mother of 5 year old Carol, who just happened to be playing a drum and marching happily in the 3rd position of the long line. Marge, it seems was walking on her way back from the grocery store when to her horror, she encountered the small band of musicians. This terribly appalled mother, loudly voiced her concern, grabbed Chad by the ear and hauled him back to his house, with a subdued and chastised group of musicians straggling along behind. It appears that Carol's mother was a bit of a prude and did not like the fact that the entire parade was being performed without costumes and all of it's members in an attempt to beat the stifling heat ... Were marching completely naked.

    Chad was educated in the public school system and only because of the insistence of his grandparents, baptized as a Catholic. His religious education was virtually nonexistent and he only attended Church services for Weddings, Funerals and somewhat reluctantly when his Grandmother dragged him there on those special occasions like Christmas and Easter.

    Chad's father Dennis was a sports junkie and if he wasn't coaching one of his son's teams, he was in the stands watching. In his spare time Dennis enjoyed nothing more than drinking a few brews and watching whatever game was on the tube with his son. This proud father also had a story about his son's unique charismatic powers that he loved to share with the boys at the bar. One morning on his way out the door, Dennis noticed that his 13 year old son hadn't appeared for breakfast yet and figured that he had forgotten to set his alarm, slept in and was going to be late for school. Rather than have his son miss class, he decided that he would wake him up. So Dennis turned back, went down the stairs and went directly to his son's bedroom door where he rapped once and barged in loudly singing.

    "Wake up, wake up, wake up you sleepy head, it's time to, time to, get up get outa bed."

    The song stopped there and the next words froze in his mouth as he noticed an uncharacteristic flurry of activity under the covers on Chad's bed. His slightly undersized son seemed to had grow considerably in girth last night and acquired more that a few extra arms and legs. Looking at the 3 piles of clothing on the floor beside the bed, caused a smile to ... In-spite of his best efforts ...Creep on to his face. After a little coxing, Dennis was able to make his son's and the faces of his 2 female companions appear from under the covers. Satisfied that they wouldn't be late for school, a very proud father left them to get dressed, happy in the knowledge that his son had listened to his Dad's lectures, he knew this by the number of condom wrappers that now littered Chad's bedroom floor.

    It was also in grade 7 that Chad started to play the Guitar. That summer, before high school started, he'd formed a band named The Indecision, in which he played Guitar, Piano and sang Lead Vocals. The Indecision's popularity grew continually and by the time Chad graduated from high school, the band had gathered a loyal following, worked regularly and made enough money that Chad never needed to flip burgers or pump gas like the rest of the boys his age. Playing in a band quickly introduced him to the big three: groupies, booze and drugs. Chad was no angel and indulged in all three, but only in moderation, due mostly to the fact, that he continued to play hockey and football all through high school and he quickly learned how overindulgence negatively affected his performance.

    Chad graduated from High School with a 95% average and was accepted at the University of Regina, in the Faculty of Business Administration, where he hoped to one day graduate as a Chartered Accountant.