The Weakest Strongest Man

Sometimes in life we come across ordinary people that inspire us. When I was 18 years old and doing my compulsory military service I met such a man.

He was a slight man,not a man of great physical appearance. He was thinner than most and shorter than most, but this man was incredibly strong.

I don’t mean physical strength, I mean mental and emotional strength. He grew up in a tough neighbourhood, gunshots were heard most nights. Gangs roamed the streets and common thugs lived in his neighbourhood.

We did officers course together in the military, (We were conscripted) we had no choice we had to do our duty for our country.

This man had a strong sense of duty, he would tell me about his background and how tough it was to study, but he had worked hard to attain his degree. He had worked hard to get a scholarship in the first place, and then he signed up for one of the toughest degrees at the time, Actuarial science.

Wikipedia defines it as “Actuarial science is the discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, finance, and other industries and professions. More generally, actuaries apply rigorous mathematics to model matters of uncertainty. Actuaries are professionals trained in this discipline. In many countries, actuaries must demonstrate their competence by passing a series of rigorous professional examinations.”

The thing I noticed about this friend of mine was that he was very organised, he had been conscripted after graduating, so I am not sure how much his studies played a role in his skill of being organised, but perhaps his whole life was a jumbled mess, so he had learnt to organise himself.

When we did a route march, or we left for bush warfare training, my friend would always think ahead of the conditions and take a few extra items that none of the rest of us thought about, batteries for torches, extra rain coat, extra foot powder, water bottle etc.

We all had the same back packs, yet he crammed in a few extra items that he felt may be needed. He was right, we did make use of the extra items he had packed. We were all thankful and he had made friends ‘a friend in need is a friend indeed’ as they say.

He struggled through the physical strength part of the training, and this was his greatest challenge, but he made it through like the rest of us, just not as easily physically. He was elated when we had completed the gruelling physical training that was officers course.

When we graduated and became officers, he had troops of his own to lead and one event sticks in my memory. Given that the defence force in those days was conscripted, people were in the military that did not want to be there, but legally had to be there.

Young men were always trying any excuse to spend as much time as possible at home, rather than in the military camp. We all had to complete two years of service, this was government legislation, it was either that or go to prison, or spend 10 years in the merchant navy at sea.

The military would give soldiers leave for compassionate reasons, like family matters etc. One of his troops came to him, this guy was known as a ‘chancer.’ My friend was aware of the reputation of this subordinate of his.

This was how it happened.

“Sir. I need to get a month’s leave, you see I think my girlfriend is pregnant.”

“Well that is a bit of a problem. I have a story for you about a man.”

“Yes sir I’m listening”

“This man’s brother was in prison, he was and and violent dude, his sister was a drug addict, and his mother was ill. At night he would try and study, but where he lived the gangs would often disrupt his studies. He had to study at night from midnight to 3 am. That was the only time he had peace and quiet. Then he would go to sleep and wake up at 6.30 am to go to work. Do you think this man deserves leave to visit his troubled family?”

“Sir most definitely, that man has a number of reasons for family leave.”

“That man is me, and I am here, doing my duty, now go back to your platoon, and please don’t bother me with silly stories again. If you have a legitimate concern, I am all ears. If your girlfriend is confirmed as pregnant, then we can discuss your situation. When you say ‘I think my girlfriend is pregnant’, I am not convinced.”

The man I am writing to you about is now an extremely successful partner in a financial company. He has made gold from mud. I am glad I got to know him and see the results of his hard work, dedication and the strength and courage of his spirit. It is not often in life you meet and spend time with true heroes.

Final Thoughts:

Life is tough, nobody said life would be easy and if they did, they lied to you

A sense of duty is an admirable quality

People who are served lemons and make lemonade are inspiring

If you have a desire to change your circumstances and you are dedicated to doing so, you can do it. Even if it means small steps at a time.

Work hard, be honest, remain focused.

Remain hungry, seek your way, help others and inspire others.