I like to write a true story of a great father- Dick Hoyt (born June 1, 1940). He married Judy. They gave a birth to a child- Rick Hoyt on January 10. 1962, at Massachusetts, United States of America. Rick Hoyt was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth after his umbilical cord became twisted around his neck, which caused the blockage of oxygen flow. As a result, his brain is unable to send the correct messages to his muscles. Doctors told “Rick cannot walk and talk, he will not recover from it. He never comes to normal life.” But parents decided to grow his son for great life.
In 1972 a skilled group of engineers at Tufts University built an interactive computer for Rick. This computer consisted of a cursor being used to highlight every letter of the alphabet. Once the letter Rick wanted was highlighted, he was able to select it by just a simple tap with his head against a head piece attached to his wheelchair. Rick started to communicate through this computer.
In 1975, at the age of 13, Rick was finally admitted into public school. In 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in 5 mile race which was organized by his school. Dick was not a runner. But Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in second last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." So they decided to run together in races and in life also. This decision became a history of great love of a father and son.
In 1975, at the age of 13, Rick was finally admitted into public school. In 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in 5 mile race which was organized by his school. Dick was not a runner. But Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in second last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped." So they decided to run together in races and in life also. This decision became a history of great love of a father and son.
Till November 2011, they finished 1069 races include
Triathlons--------------- 247 (standard triathlon- 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run)
Ironman triathlons-- 6 (3.8 km swim, 180 km ride, and a marathon: 42.2 km run)
Marathon--------------- 69 (run of 42.195kms).
This is not only a sports event. This story raises some questions against us.
1. What is our commitment level with our children and family?
2. How much do we sacrifice our pleasures (alcoholism, smoking, TV watching etc.) for family?
3. If Rick may be a metaphor- for example our education, career, profession etc. - what is our commitment level to it?
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watch this video.... it will inspire you...
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