Custom Search

Saturday, June 16, 2007

The History of Fathers Day

Please click onto the title of this post for a history lesson. HAVE A HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

5 Comments:

Blogger Bob said...

Hi All,

I am going fishing today with my family, and some friends who don't have a father in their life.

I can't help but think of all the children who's Dad doesn't play a role in their lives.If all of us responsible fathers took one kid under our wing and mentored them, the world would be a better place.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY ALL!

8:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What My Father Means To Me
An emotional tribute to an incredible and inspirational Dad, from his equally incredible and inspirational son.

By Richard Hoyt Jr., Men's Health

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.

9:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That is a great story thank you, and Happy Fathers Day to all!

PS...the world needs more Bobs..
Nancy

7:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

my dad reads this every night when he gets homes from work so I am telling you again dad - HAPPY FATHERS DAY.

i love you daddy

Amber

11:44 PM  
Blogger Bob said...

Hi All,

I want to say I learned how to be a father the hard way.

I ran away from an abusive home at age 15, I was that guy you didn't want your sister or daughter to go out with. I fathered a beautiful girl. The first time I saw her I felt all kinds of energy as if I was glowing like a light bulb.

She was named Crystol Rose. She looked like me, smelled like me and I instantly loved her. (luckily for her as the years have gone by she has matured to resemble her Mother):-)

Like I have told many of you here in the past at this "Town Hall Meeting" I was a troubled youth and young man. I've done time in prison. I was not a good father to my daughter. I neglected her and her mother, and her mother left me.

I continued on with my life for many years as a trouble maker not having the social skills or education to be anything other than a Flim Flam Man.

When my son was born I knew it was time to change. I left my troubled past behind. I was determined not to make the same mistakes with him.

I haven't been a perfect Dad, however, I know in my heart I have been an exceptional father to him considering personal circumstances.

My son is growing into a wonderfully compassionate person who is thoughtful and considerate of others. He is the total opposite of what I was at age 19.
I home schooled my son. At age 19 I think he is one of the youngest businessmen in town. He is in Lawncare/snow shoveling.

My daughter and I have had some difficulties in our relationship because of my neglect of her. She is older now and more understanding of my short comings when I was younger.

She has blessed me with wonderful grand children and she has a husband a father in-law would be proud of.

My life's experience is why I pray for more mentoring programs for young men. If these young men don't have a father image to teach them to be a man they have to learn the hard way like I did and to many peoples lives are hurt in the process.

3:26 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home