Since quarantine has started my family has taken up hiking every Sunday in an effort to get connected with each other, explore the outdoors, and stay stranded together. ​

Our first adventure was to William B. Umstead park.  As soon as we got there it rained….. "Well, let's turn around and go home." Nope we couldn't, due to circumstances we were stuck there for an hour, in the rain, on a Sunday afternoon, 30 minutes away from home. The cars were hot and the kids restless, so we paced the small, humid, somewhat stinky, but luckily sheltered, outdoor public bathroom facility, while discussing what to do. Continue with our hike?  No we would get soaked but the kids were already splashing around in the rain, chasing a frog. We were quite literally stranded. As the rain let up we ventured out of the small shelter and walked towards a lake in the outskirts of the park and began skipping rocks. There we were, stranded, wet, hungry, but laughing, smiling, and being together. ​

On Monday mornings, you can find Stephen working out with a purpose-driven group of men in Wake Forest. Standing for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith, Stephen found an outlet for his workout passion as well as a brotherhood whose creed is: “Leave no man behind, but leave no man where you find him”.

Based on his skill set in design and animation as well as his large family, Stephen is fondly known as ‘Roger Rabbit’. While his physical characteristics don’t exactly match the animated bunny, he is full of life and quite witty. Maybe one day, we will see Stephen designing, directing, and starring in his own animated/human film. Until then, we will have to be content seeing Stephen out in the community and not on the silver screen.

Working out is an awesome way to live stranded. Not only does it relieve stress, make you feel good and look great; it builds friendships and healthy habits. Fitness revolves around discipline and goal setting. Moving forward requires both of those attributes. When Stephen first heard of this ex-military group based out of Charlotte, NC, he was intrigued. That curiosity led Stephen to find the local Wake Forest workout location of F3. Now he makes it part of his weekly routine. Finding friends and neighbors with similar interests is a great way to build relationships in your community. It is also a great way to share the things you enjoy.

​Stephen is passionate about fitness in just about any form. In fact, he has been known to participate in zombie runs at panic point. (https://www.raleighhauntedhouse.com/). Will he eventually get caught by a zombie or can he escape? Follow him on instagram @stay_stranded to find out. He is always up for a challenge. So challenge him with your design needs. Live Stranded. Stay Stranded. ​