A while back I wrote about one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever heard about, the father and son team of Richard Hoyt and Richard Hoyt Jr. Well, in the June 2007 issue of Men’s Health magazine Richard Jr. published a huge father’s day letter to his dad. I figured it would be appropriate to share given that we’re only a week away.
You have to realize that it takes an extraordinary effort for him to communicate in this manner, so the length and eloquence of the message are moving.
What My Father Means to Me
My name is Richard E. Hoyt Jr., and I have cerebral palsy. I cannot speak or walk. To write this story, I’m using a computer with special software. When I move my head slightly, the cursor moves across an alphabet. When it gets to the letter I want, I press a switch at the side of my head.I am half of Team Hoyt. We are a father-and-son team, and we compete in marathons and triathlons around the world. Our goal is to educate people about how the disabled can lead normal lives. We started racing in 1979. My high school was having a road race to raise money for a lacrosse player who was paralyzed in an accident. I wanted to show this athlete that life can go on, so I asked my dad if he would push me. My wheelchair was not built for racing, but Dad managed to push me the entire 5 miles. We came in next to last, but in the photos of us crossing the finish line, I was smiling from ear to ear!
When we got home, I used my computer to tell Dad, “When I’m running, I feel like my disability disappears!” So we joined a running club, had a special running chair built, and entered our first official race. Many of the athletes didn’t want us to participate, but the executive director of the event gave us permission. Soon we were running three races a weekend, and we even did our first double event–a 3-mile run and a half-mile swim. Dad held me by the back of the neck and did the sidestroke for the entire swim. We wanted to run in the Boston Marathon, but we were not allowed to enter because we had not done a qualifying run. So in late 1980, we competed in the Marine Corps Marathon, in Washington, D.C., finishing in 2 hours, 45 minutes. That qualified us for Boston!
A few years later, after a road race in Falmouth, Massachusetts, a man came up to my dad and said, “You are quite an athlete. You should consider a triathlon.” Dad said, “Sure, as long as I can do it with Rick.” The man just walked away. The next year, the same man said the same thing. Again, Dad said he’d do it, but only with me. This time the man said, “Okay, let’s figure out what special equipment you’ll need.”
So on Father’s Day in 1985, we competed in our first triathlon. It included a 10-mile run, during which Dad pushed me; a 1-mile swim, during which Dad pulled me in a life raft with a rope tied around his chest; and a 50-mile bike ride, during which he towed me in a cart behind him. We finished next to last, but we both loved it. Soon after, we did our first Ironman Triathlon. We’ve now competed in more than 950 races, including 25 Boston Marathons and six Ironmans. During every event, I feel like my disability has disappeared.
People often ask me, “What would you do if you were not disabled?” When I was first asked, I said I’d probably play baseball or hockey. But when I thought about it some more, I realized that I’d tell my father to sit down in my wheelchair so I could push him. If it weren’t for him, I’d probably be living in a home for people with disabilities. He is not just my arms and legs. He’s my inspiration, the person who allows me to live my life to the fullest and inspire others to do the same.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. And thank you.
-Richard E. Hoyt Jr
You and your father are just incredible!! Thank you for touching my life and my family’s
god bless you
I thought that was a beautiful piece of writing :)
I have a brother and A sister with Autism my sister has it severely. My mum has to do everything, like cleaning up her mess and dealing with her temper tantrums. When we discovered that my sister had autism he doctor said that she would never talk properly again…..But my brother and I didn’t give up we spent more time with her (even though she hit us and broke our toys) About 1 year later she stared talking :)
She went to a special school for special kids, after 2 years she moved to my school (Im the oldest) She was in prep, but she was older than all the other kids. aWhen she’s alone I sometimes hang around her. My brother has Fears of Aliens and other creatures, He doesn’t eat well, he only eats small amounts of food (plain food) If he get’s nervous he vomits. I feel bad for being mean to them….they annoy me soo much I can’t take it, but their my famaliy….sometimes I don’t feel like I belong (I was adopted when I was little)
From Cynder
Very touching story. Very few fathers would have done what he has.
Richard,
I first saw your video at a salt and light conference in Columbia, SC.
SIMPLY AWESOME!
Philip Moore
Folks,
I just want to point out that I’m not actually Richard Hoyt (Jr. or Sr.)… I’m merely reporting on their story. I am also a huge fan, and have a great deal of respect for each of these men. I wish I were half the man either one of them is.
If you are actually interested in reading more, they do have a Web site at TeamHoyt.com and you can contact them from their site.
Take care,
John
So inspirational! What you and your father have accomplished is a miracle for the world to see. The inspiration is humbling, full of energy, and truth. Keep it up!
I read the story in Mens heath i just want to say you and your father are great people very inspirational.
Certainly an inspirational story that makes me want to be a better father to my sons. Thanks for posting it.