Inspiration and Adversity
[This post has been long overdue. I'll be updating post published elsewhere in the oncoming days]
In my search for personal revision in the face of my own adversity I have sought for something compelling to write about. I’ve been looking for a subject that would not only be informative but also reflect (however indirectly) my own personal evolution. So, while sitting on a break from re-organizing and during a communication time out I found myself watching Bryant Gumble’s “Real Sports.” There is often an amazing story to be viewed.
The story was about the Hoyt’s (click that--->
Team Hoyt), a father and son triathalon team. But of course the story had to have a twist. Rick is a 45 year old man who is almost completely disabled. The age of his father father, Dick , I only suspect to be sixty something. Together they have raced in over 85 competitions. Some of these races included swimming, running and biking while towing his son miles upon miles. Amazing! Dick’s son is unable to talk, walk or basically function without hands on assistance and/or the assistance of technology. Even with his disabilities Rick has graduated college from Boston University and presently lives on his own to start. But what’s most inspiration and endearing is the teamwork and accomplishment both personal and physical of the father and son team.
It started with Rick being born with his umbilical cord choking him, leaving him disabled. Rick’s parents took on the adversity. Now divorced, Dick cared for Rick. A mutual support for the two of them, I believe. It started with running marathons and later with encouragement and support of their trainer went on to triathlons. At the onset of the later, Dick could not swim and had not ridden a bike since he was six, let alone incorporate Rick into the triathlon. He trained and has become a premier athlete in the sport creating competition for even people that run, swim and bike themselves in these races. Talk about endurance and raising the bar.
I’m sure the process was not easy. When told that Dick could be one of the elite within the field his response was that he could not do it by himself. His son inspires him to run faster, swim harder and pedal longer. Rick is the source of his strength. He says his son has literally saved his life. I’m sure in more ways than escaping a heart attack because of the physical shape their competing has put him in. I deeply relate to and appreciate these sentiments.
So, in the midst of my own trials and tribulations I find what I could almost say is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever heard. A testament to courage and an example of turning lemons into lemonade on a hot ass day. It made me and my adversities seem so small. It made my obstacles which have seemed so mountainous seem like anthills. We should all be so superhuman as Rick and his father. What a shining example for the rest of us. Is there ever a reason to feel sorry for oneself? Is there every an excuse to not overcome adversity by and create an opportunity? Absolutely not.
full.of.awe
