“Maybe not. But it still sounds like an interesting way to pass the time between races. But first things first, we gotta get you trained up and ready.”
Sarah playfully replied, “Well, my race is two months away. So today’s training is only a six-miler. You okay with that Mr. Marathon?”
Stephen met her smile and popped a quick peck on her lips. “Six miles or twenty-six miles, the plan is all the same, Hon. We’re just going to put one foot in front of the other and repeat.”
“Well, let’s get started then.” Sarah started them out on a brisk walk and Stephen quickly caught up.
As their warm up pace steadied into a slight jog she looked at him, “So I never asked but I get the sense you’re not done with this whole race thing. You gonna run another marathon?”
“I don’t know.” Stephen pondered dramatically and then gave his wife an expression of guilt pleasure, “But I was looking at some races online last night.”
“Find anything coming up that interest you?”
“Yeah. Sort of. You ever hear of this thing called an ultramarathon?”
“An ultramarathon? Are you serious?” Sarah looked at him in disbelief and then broke into a dash, leaving him behind. Without looking over her shoulder she yelled out, “You’re unbelievable.”
“Wait! Unbelievable in a good way, right?” Sarah’s quickened pace put distance between them and Stephen stumbled into a run to try and catch her, “In a good way… right babe… Sarah… Sarah…?”
Reading Group Guide
The struggle of a physical challenge paralleled to the difficulties faced in his everyday life is only part of Stephen Lantz’ war. Through a story which is broadly about perseverance and relationships, the following questions are intended to help you dive deeper into the motivations behind 26 & Change. May this guide serve as a companion to your discussion and an enrichment to your fellowship.
1. What is the author attempting to convey about the struggles military families deal with?
2. Stephen tends to internalize the fears and insecurities he has about running a marathon. Do fears or insecurities ever prevent you from doing something you truly desire?
3. As the race begins, Stephen feels out of place among the race crowd and it causes him to become frustrated with other participants. When people find themselves in an unsettling situation why do their thoughts often turn to criticism of others? How can this be prevented?
4. Military deployments are disruptive enough for families without the compounded impact of an illness. How do you think Stephen grew during his deployments?
5. During Stephen’s first deployment, Sara responded to not knowing if Stephen was alive by allowing fear to dominate her into a dark helplessness. How do you think Sara’s emotional responses grew as time progressed?
6. Why do you think Stephen’s acceptance of a voluntary deployment turned out to be a mental burden for him? How do you think not telling Sarah contributed to the struggles in their marriage?
7. When Stephen’s squad saw the boy with the weapon their bravado stopped. What emotions do you think went through the members of the squad when they realized their enemy was not always what they thought him to be? How do you think those emotions can continue to burden the soldier even after the war?
8. Expecting the worse, Stephen prayed for another chance to hold his daughter and love his wife. If you lived your life as if you were about to die, whom would you reach out to? Whom would you ask for forgiveness from?
9. Mayweather is initially shocked and afraid at the sight of seeing his friend being pulled from the building. Why then, does he proceed to joke and harass Stephen when he’s rescued?
10. Have you ever attended a Purple Heart Ceremony? If so, please share your experience. If not, consider making plans to share the gratitude of a grateful nation with our wounded warriors.
11. When McDowell’s company goes out of business, why do you think Stephen could only respond with anger towards his mentor?
12. Sadly, many marriages do not make it through the stress and turmoil of a child with prolonged illness. What were some of the key characteristics Rebecca displayed which were instrumental in helping her son’s family stay together?
13. On the brink of a bank foreclosure, Stephen is embarrassed to face his father despite Tom’s attempt to be an encouragement. Why do you think people impute their expectations onto others when they are actually the ones disappointed with themselves?
14. Counselor Ray approaches Stephen’s denial about PTSD in a passive way. Discuss some of the actions Ray used to connect with Stephen and build rapport. Why was it important he not treat Stephen with “kid gloves”?
15. While holding Sarah in the midst of unknown tragedy, Stephen repeated Ray’s words to himself and they became a pillar of strength for him. What criteria should we use to find words which will truly support us in the face of tragedy?
16. Rebecca’s friends were always encouraging to Stephen. Why do you think Stephen resisted the idea of building relationships with people in his mother’s church?
17. Tom’s generosity with his house became a gift Stephen couldn’t hope to repay. How did it impact the way Stephen viewed his father? How did Stephen and Sara decide to express their appreciation to Tom?
18. What did Stephen gain by finding the strength to break through the “runners’ wall”? What did he lose?
19. At the end of the book, what do you think Stephen’s views on “his mother’s” church are and why? Do you think he will make it to the pot-luck? Where does he go from there?
20. In 26 & Change, you observed Stephen and his family working through the challenges of a modern military family. As you think about the war, the financial crisis and the housing bust, have any of the challenges from the book paralleled your life situation?
About The Author
Deacon Rie lives in the Texas Hill Country with his wife, children and a variety of animals that possess an incredible knack for becoming pets. He has a background in psychology, finance and law and works with multiple non-profits which serve economically disadvantaged families as well as classical education. His hobbies include writing, endurance events and the pursuit of a race well run.
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One Last Thing…
If you enjoyed this book or found it impactful, I would be extremely very grateful if you would post a short review on Amazon.com or your literary provider of choice. Besides helping to promote the work, your support really does make a difference as I personally read all reviews to obtain feedback and make future books even better. Thanks again for your support and for taking your time to read this book.
Copyright
26 & Change. Copyright © 2018 by Alamo Publishing, LLC
All Right Reserved.
Published in the United States
by Alamo Publishing, LLC; DBA Alamo House Publishing, San Antonio, Texas
Cover art by designcraftive.com
eBook edition
ISBN: 978-0-9995412-1-0