It’s so easy to get lazy, tired, or depressed. We all know why it happens. One too many scotches last night, losing sleep to stress, and even fear of success can sabotage you.
When I’m feeling unproductive or doubtful, I think about people who did really hard stuff and compare my tasks with theirs: “If Hannibal could make elephants dance across the Alps, I can succeed in ‘X’.”
Two of my new heroes are Richard E. Hoyt Jr. and his father Dick. I’ve excerpted some of Richard’s letter to his dad below. You can read the whole thing and see video of Richard and Dick at Men’s Health.
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!
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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
