In 1962, Dick & Judy had a boy born with the umbilical cord coiled around his neck, cutting off the oxygen to his brain. Because of this, he was confined to a chair, almost a vegetable all his life, not able to walk or talk. But Dick & Judy did not give up on their son.
They brought home Rick, ready to raise him as normally as possible. When Rick was in the age to start public school, Dick battled all arguments the school authorities had knowing that Rick not being to talk or move his hands doesn't mean that he will not be able to understand.
When engineers from Tufts University heard about the story, they immediately went to work to help the kid. But first, to make sure that Rick will be able to comprehend the things that he's about to learn, they tested him. How? He told him a joke, according to Dick. "Rick just cracked up." That's when the boys went to work.
By means of a computer and slight head-movements, Rick was able to write and communicate. He called it his "communicator". And his first words... "Go Bruins!" (cheering Boston Bruins for the Stanley Cup finals that season).
When he was about 15 years old, Dick told his father that he wanted to join the race for a lacrosse player who had been paralyzed after an accident. Because of the heart Rick showed his father, Dick willingly agreed to push his wheelchair from him, even though he was not a long-distance runner. Although finishing the race next to last, they felt that they already won just by completing the race.
And then Rick had finally claim a passion.
During the competition, he didn't feel handicapped.
"Team Hoyt" was born. Together they battled 4 years of marathon. And then after, they race for triathlons. They were able to swim with a boat, where Rick was lying on, tied to Dick's waist.
Because of their mutual desire to complete the race, they now have served to be a great inspiration to others, especially those who are also physically handicapped.
Rick will not be able to compete without his father.
Dick would not compete without Rick.
This is the story of a father's unconditional love to his son.
This is the story of a man beating the odds with the help of his father.
When they race, Dick is the body... Rick is the heart.
Together they run the race and win the hearts of people around them.
Together they inspire a lot, especially those who walk only by faith in life.
Have you heard about team hoyt (www.teamhoyt.com)? Find more on their site, and maybe then the coals will not be so hot.
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