An intimate look at a father's love for his son. A demonstration of love that will undoubtedly create a river of tears in the blogsphere. Watch. Absorb. Smile. Cry. Let the enduring and unfailing spirit of this father's devotion touch you today. If you've ever asked for the meaning of life, it is right here. God's work, in all its glory.
This is the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt, the most recognized father and son team that have competed in the Ironman triathlons. For those unfamiliar as to the background of this grueling competition, the race consists of 2.4 miles of ocean swim, followed by 112 miles of bike ride, and ending with 26.2 miles of running.
When Rick Hoyt was still in his mother's womb, the umbilical chord wrapped around his neck cutting off oxygen to the brain. When he was born, the doctor stated that he would never be able to walk nor talk and his recommendation was to institutionalize him. But the Hoyts felt different. They saw life and intelligence in his eyes. They brought their son home and decided to treat him just like any other normal kid. And Rick has not only managed to graduate from high school but college as well and also competes in sports alongside his father. To him, he is living a full life. In the second clip below we learn of the lives of this most inspiring father and son team. A father who says he was gifted the gift of life because of his son. At the time of his son's request to begin competing in these sports, he was months away from a major heart attack. And thus the father, though not fit at the time, nonetheless did not hesitate to say yes to his son. It took him two years to prepare for their first race. They are both an inspiration of what the human body and mind can do when powered by the feelings of unconditional love and desire. And I ask myself, what am I waiting for to achieve that which I sometimes believe to be insurmountable. They are such a source of inspiration and love. And to them, God bless.
