Tuesday, August 12, 2008

A Father's Love

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.

33 comments:

CoyoteFe said...

Wow! That is something. On so many levels. We (I) complain about obstacles, but these two know obstacles. And, apparently, they also know that they are just that. Obstacles, and not defeats. Thanks for sharing.

TC said...

What an amazing story. Wow.

Tumblewords: said...

Awesome!

White Rose said...

Boy, does this story put things into perspective. This is wonderful!

Gemma Wiseman said...

This father and son team is so inspiring! Your post is a great celebration of all they have done!

Stan Ski said...

What an inspiring story - we should think harder next time we say 'I can't do it'.

Anonymous said...

We have a poster at work of the Hoyts. They are an amazing team. Thank you for sharing this.

Anonymous said...

I have heard this story before and followed it for sometime - they run the Boston Marathon - but no matter how many times I hear the story it always makes me tear up and it always makes me ask the same question you did - "What. Am I waiting for?"

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for sharing this rebecca. it is a beautiful vision of love and devotion. and of course it sis make me cry. with gratitude and grief and for all of humanity.
XOX

CoyoteFe said...

Thanks for adding the second video. It add their wonderful voices to this amazing story of the breadth of human spirit.

Lance said...

I love this story (and video) Rebecca - I've watched it several times. Thanks for keeping it going. It's a great reminder to all of us about what life is all about.

Kay Cooke said...

Thanks for this - inspiring indeed!

danni said...

truly a story of very special grace and blessing - thank you for putting it here for me to enjoy again - makes you take another look around and rearrange priorities and perspective!!!

Linda Jacobs said...

This is like a kick in the butt sand, boy, I needed one! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh, I am SOBBING! What an inspirational story of truly unconditional love. Thank you so much for sharing this, Rebecca.

gautami tripathy said...

Wonderfully put!

Has anything changed?

Lilibeth said...

Life screams "I have value" because He loves me like that father loves his son. Thanks for posting this.

Cynthia said...

The power of love is amazing,
awesome! This father is an incredible man and parent, as
the mother must be, and hence
the son. Each a gift to the
other. Let my lips refrain from
complaing. Thanking Rebecca for
posting this micro-documentary,
on your blog,you've done a
tremendous service, by allowing
more people to be aware of
this awesome father and son team.

rebecca said...

CoyoteFe,

Whenever I see or hear a story such as this, it humbles me and also shames me for complaining so easily at times. Obstacles are just that, obstacles. And we tend to create a defeatist mind because it sometimes is the easier thing to do. They are indeed an inspiration.

rebecca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
rebecca said...

tc and tumblewords --

ditto!

rebecca said...

white rose,

yes it does, doesn't it?

gemma,

nothing makes the spirit feel better than to join in the celebration of something so inspiring.

rebecca said...

stan,

"i can't do it," took a whole new meaning for me once i saw this video. it actually gave me the courage to go an attempt those things i once thought impossible.

rebecca said...

pam,

these videos were my first introduction to them. i was not familiar with their story. i'm glad i came upon it for they are truly inspiring.

rebecca said...

grace,

you cannot mistake that boston accent! neither video stated where they were from but upon hearing dick hoyt speak in the second one, i automatically knew where their roots lay. and, yes, what are we waiting for indeed.

rebecca said...

hi robin bird!

i love your last line: "with gratitude and grief and for all humanity." that is our thanks to them.

very well said.

rebecca said...

hi coyotefe,

yes, i did a little more searching because i thought the post needed a little more background.

rebecca said...

lance,

watching it does bring it home for us and lets us know that this is what it's all about indeed.

kay,

your welcome. inspirational stories should always be shared.

rebecca said...

danni,

our priorities do tend to rearrange themselves after viewing this, doesn't it?

linda,

i think we can all use that kick once in awhile.

rebecca said...

hi holly,

i teared up as well. how can you not?

guatami,

thank you.

rebecca said...

lilibeth,

how beautifully put. thank you for that.

rebecca said...

cynthia,

each a gift to the other is right. a wonderful, inspiring team -- all three, yes. because the mother is just as much an intricate part in this inspiring tale as anything else.

chulita4 said...

Thank you for sharing these inspiring stories. The last one and especially this one. What an amazing two human beings, especially the father.........wow! To have had a father with even 1/4 of the love and devotion of this father. And the mother too, of course, she is most likely the pilar of strength for both of them, as well as their biggest fan. Many, many thanks for sharing these stories!!