A Tribute to the Strongest Dad in the World (Wizbang)

This is off the topic of politics, government and world events, but it's so inspiring I wanted as many people as possible to see it. This, folks, is real love.

Over forty years ago, Judy Hoyt gave birth to a baby boy whose umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around his neck. Judy and her husband were told that their son, Rick, would be a vegetable for the rest of his life, and they were advised to put him in an institution. They said absolutely not.

After years of being told that their son would not be able to do anything with his life, Judy and Dick refused to give up. They eventually got Rick hooked up to a computer so he could communicate.

After a friend organized a charity run for Rick's benefit, Rick typed out to his dad that he wanted to do that, too. Even though Dick was out of shape and couldn't run a mile, let alone five, he did it anyway. Dick ran as he pushed Rick in his wheelchair. Afterward, Rick said "when we were running, it felt like I wasn't disabled anymore!" It was a turning point in both their lives.

Since then, Dick and Rick competed in 85 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, 212 triathlons and 15 Ironman competitions.

Now that you know the story, watch the video. And you'll need a lot of tissues. This one goes right to the heart of what it means to love unconditionally.

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Comments (17)

Pass the tissues, please...... (Below threshold)

1. Posted by SilverBubble | October 17, 2006 2:21 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

SilverBubble:

Pass the tissues, please...

Posted on October 17, 2006 14:21

I know. I think I've watche... (Below threshold)

2. Posted by Kim Priestap | October 17, 2006 2:29 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Kim Priestap:

I know. I think I've watched it ten times now and I sob each and every time.

Posted on October 17, 2006 14:29

Anyone have an idea WHY I a... (Below threshold)

3. Posted by Soupy2c2 | October 17, 2006 2:43 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Soupy2c2:

Anyone have an idea WHY I am unable to play and watch U tube?

Posted on October 17, 2006 14:43

Even makes heartless male e... (Below threshold)

4. Posted by engineer | October 17, 2006 2:45 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

engineer:

Even makes heartless male eyes tear up.

Posted on October 17, 2006 14:45

pretty amazing. that's all... (Below threshold)

5. Posted by suhnami | October 17, 2006 2:51 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

suhnami:

pretty amazing. that's all i can say

Posted on October 17, 2006 14:51

Wow. When my son gets home... (Below threshold)

6. Posted by Howcome | October 17, 2006 3:06 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Howcome:

Wow. When my son gets home from school he is gonna get a big hug. Never underestimate what a good father can and will do for his children.

Posted on October 17, 2006 15:06

Thanks for that! It's nice... (Below threshold)

7. Posted by Heralder | October 17, 2006 3:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Heralder:

Thanks for that! It's nice every once and a while to have a good positive story.

Posted on October 17, 2006 15:07

If there was ever a guy who... (Below threshold)

8. Posted by Diane | October 17, 2006 3:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Diane:

If there was ever a guy who "deserved" the rewards of a NIKE commercial, exhibiting their theme...Just Do It...this would be the guy. What an accomplihsment; what an inspiration.

Posted on October 17, 2006 15:24

Soupy2c2 - are you at work... (Below threshold)

9. Posted by Clancy | October 17, 2006 3:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Clancy:

Soupy2c2 - are you at work? Many workplaces block youtube and others (mine does) but I can see wizbang fine.

I saw this a couple of weeks ago. unbelievable.

Posted on October 17, 2006 15:59

Just when I was having one ... (Below threshold)

10. Posted by Jerry Haberer | October 17, 2006 4:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Jerry Haberer:

Just when I was having one of those jaded by reality sort of days, you had to come alomg and show me what is really important in our lives.

Thank you.

Posted on October 17, 2006 16:23

Beautiful!!! But I made the... (Below threshold)

11. Posted by muirgeo | October 17, 2006 4:36 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

muirgeo:

Beautiful!!! But I made the mistake of watching it here at the gate in Sacramento Airport with lots of people around. I think I did a pretty good job of acting like I had something in my eye....both eyes.

The most important thing any of us can be is a good father or a good mother....I wish I could be half as good.

Wow...beautiful!!!

Posted on October 17, 2006 16:36

Both of my boys were born w... (Below threshold)

12. Posted by goddessoftheclassroom | October 17, 2006 5:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

goddessoftheclassroom:

Both of my boys were born with the cord wrapped around their necks, so my first thought was, "There but for the grace of God."

And then I thought that no matter how horrible people can be, there are some like Dick and Judy Hoyt who show us how great we can me.

I also noticed that Rick lives independently and has a job. That's more than lots of very spoiled kids managed, too.

I was a mess (but then Hallmarl commercials make me cry); the true measure was that my almost-15 year old son (whom I called in to watch) had tears coursing down his face, too.

Posted on October 17, 2006 17:24

Wonderful story. What a gu... (Below threshold)

13. Posted by Oyster | October 17, 2006 8:06 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Oyster:

Wonderful story. What a guy!

Posted on October 17, 2006 20:06

Thank you, Kim.... (Below threshold)

14. Posted by smartguy | October 17, 2006 8:22 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

smartguy:

Thank you, Kim.

Posted on October 17, 2006 20:22

There's greatness in those ... (Below threshold)

15. Posted by Red Fog | October 17, 2006 8:56 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Red Fog:

There's greatness in those who try. Thanks Kim.

Posted on October 17, 2006 20:56

I've cheered on the Hoyt's ... (Below threshold)

16. Posted by Bruce | October 17, 2006 9:31 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Bruce:

I've cheered on the Hoyt's at the Boston Marathon several times. Every time you see them is just as emotional and inspiring as the last.

Wow.

Just, wow.

Posted on October 17, 2006 21:31

Wow, thats really amazing. ... (Below threshold)

17. Posted by Keith | October 20, 2006 12:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)

Keith:

Wow, thats really amazing.

Posted on October 20, 2006 12:41

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