Are there ever times that you feel like you just suck? Like you feel that you are failing as a teacher? As a parent? As a son or daughter? A sibling? Or just about being a human being? We have all been there. Every one of us. There are tons of great stories out there about humans who are doing great things. We find ourselves drawn to their stories. I think part of the reason is that their stories cause us to recognize our flaws. They make us see things that we think are impossible to do are possible.
I first read a story about one of these amazing people back in 2005 in "Sports Illustrated". They had done a story of Dick and Rick Hoyt aka "Team Hoyt". Dick Hoyt is the father of Rick. When Rick was born, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and he suffered a lack of oxygen. Because of this, Rick has severe disabilities and is in a wheelchair. Dick and his wife advocated hard for their son. They fought for him. Like all parents, they loved their son and were willing to do anything for them. But there was a time when doing anything for their son set Dick and Rick on a path much longer and greater than either imagined.
When Rick was a senior, he wanted to do a race that had been put together for a classmate who had been in an accident. So Dick pushed Rick in that race even though he was 36 years old and not a runner. They finished second to last, but that race began an adventure of heart, soul, and love.
Together, Dick and Rick ran over 30 Boston Marathons. They ran 6 full IronMans. If you are not familiar, the Iron Man is a triathlon where you run, swim, and bike. The Boston Marathon is 26 miles and you have to qualify for the race. The idea of doing these races is mindblowing, but to think about doing them while pushing a wheelchair for 26.2 miles, biking for 112 miles with someone sitting in the front of your bike and swimming for 2.4 miles while pulling a raft with a person on it seems impossible. But Dick did it. And you know why? Because of how it made Rick feel. Rick stated he felt like he wasn't handicapped when he was running
During these years, people have rallied around Team Hoyt, evening running for Dick as he recovered from heart attacks and procedures. People were inspired by their story. But maybe more so by the pure love this man showed for his son.
Dick Hoyt died yesterday in his sleep at the age of 80.
As I saw the news on Twitter, I got very sad about a man I never met passing away. Was I inspired by his story? I do know that once I decided as an old lady to run (and I never did track in high school), I often thought about Dick and Rick. When it got tough and I didn't think I could push through, I thought about them.
But I think I was sad because it had me reflecting that during those times I think I suck and I see amazing humans like this, maybe...just maybe I haven't found my purpose yet. Maybe my moment isn't here yet. Dick and Rick sucked when they first started too. But they found their stride. I mean Dick had to qualify for the Boston Marathon in the 20 year old category as a 40 year old man. And he did. But it took a lot of miles to get there. He did not throw in the towel right away.
So...you may think today sucks. Or that you are no good at something. Remember that maybe you haven't hit your stride yet. Think about who you are running for. Maybe the best part of your race is yet to come.
Here are some videos of Team Hoyt. I think I shared one YEARS ago at an in-service. I have also included the one that is a music video for MercyMe's "I Can Only Imagine". Watch that one with a Kleenex or two.
