HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2008 … Dick and Rick Hoyt, a Father and Son’s Love for the Ages

Happy Father’s Day from Scared Monkeys …

Please take a look at the video below and take some inspiration of what Father’s Day should best be about. Dick and Rick Hoyt (Team Hoyt) are a father-and-son team from Massachusetts who are a true inspiration and symbolize a bond that is timeless. A father’s love for his son … one that all must see. Be prepared to have the Kleenex ready for this one.

For the past twenty five years or more Dick, who is 65, has pushed and pulled his son across the country and over hundreds of finish lines. When Dick runs, Rick is in a wheelchair that Dick is pushing. When Dick cycles, Rick is in the seat-pod from his wheelchair, attached to the front of the bike. When Dick swims, Rick is in a small but heavy, firmly stabilized boat being pulled by Dick.

At Rick’s birth in 1962 the umbilical cord coiled around his neck and cut off oxygen to his brain. Dick and his wife, Judy, were told that there would be no hope for their child’s development.

“It’s been a story of exclusion ever since he was born,” Dick told me. “When he was eight months old the doctors told us we should just put him away — he’d be a vegetable all his life, that sort of thing. Well those doctors are not alive any more, but I would like them to be able to see Rick now.”

Read more about Team Hoyt and a father and son bond for the ages.

6 Responses to “HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2008 … Dick and Rick Hoyt, a Father and Son’s Love for the Ages”

1. dennisintn on June 15th, 2008 2:04 pm

   what a beautiful and inspiring story. thank you sm for giving this to us.
   dennisintn

2. brie. on June 15th, 2008 3:55 pm

   That was certainly deserving of a box of Kleenex….what a beautiful story of love, compassion, ultimate caring…and determination….God Love Them….it all says faith and hope and don’t always believe what the doctors say…this is truly a remarkable story….one I won’t forget….this is truly the mark of a father….

3. brie. on June 15th, 2008 4:37 pm

   Unlike Paulus who dragged his son to casinos and bars at a young age….no Happy Father’s Day too you….a disgusting parent…a mother that was well aware of what was going on….and yet is a schoolteacher…is this story the most of all disgusting…………

4. Miss-Underestimated on June 15th, 2008 7:41 pm

   Yes he is the epitome of a father. What a bond between father and son. Rick was on tv not too long ago, this man is a man that all men should aspire for.

5. kitty on June 16th, 2008 11:38 pm

   It’s wonderful seeing Rick and his Father in the Boston Marathon… year after year after year… Bless them both ~ They embody the spirit and essence of LOVE…and the Marathon itself…I cry every time I see them and so does everyone else cheering the runners on.. however, the crowd looks forward to seeing them and completely erupts when Rick & Dick are running by… it’s so moving ~ and inspirational~ we love them up here in Boston!…and wish them Godspeed and pray they run on and on!

   It reminds me of the scripture that shares about running the good race and keeping your eye on the prize…

   Much love to this Father & Son team & God Bless ~

6. A New Girl on June 17th, 2008 3:08 am

   Thanks for sharing this, SM. The Hoyt’s are well known in these parts and so inspirational. Now that is love!!!!!!! That letter at the ending was killer.
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   P.S. Very heavy Bahston accent as they are from the South Shore…. (Mayor “Mumbles” Menino is one of the worst offenders, too.) We don’t all speak like that, don’t worry. lol

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