Tuesday, October 17, 2006 Pages: The story of Dick and Rick Hoyt By John Pages Matchpoint
The other Sunday, I wrote about the “Strongest Dad in the World.” To all who missed it, please, I ask you, read the story and watch the video. It will move you. It will make you stop and ask, “How am I doing as a father? As a mom?”
It will make you blink-not thrice, but 33 times.
Here it is: www.farese.com/hoyt.htm.
Like I said before, after you read the story, do this: Load the entire video first before watching-so you get to watch it uninterrupted. You can do this by pressing “Pause” (at the lower left hand corner) right after you’ve pressed “Play.” Allow the orange bar to fully load before you press play again.
Reactions? I received plenty. Here are a few...
Ping-J Villegas wrote from New York: “I watched that video at church awhile back and yes I became teary-eyed and so did everybody else. It’s very emotional and inspiring and we realize we take things for granted in life.”
From Ging Fuentes: “I was intrigued.
When I read the story, I was touched by the message and the love shown between father and son. How many love stories do you encounter in this fast-changing world? Even I, a mother, am amazed at the love, patience, and perseverance shown by the father. His courage and hope can’t be surpassed.
Kudos to Dick Hoyt! I had goose bumps when I saw the video and yes, tears fell down. How I wish the fathers would learn something from this, especially those who are so busy building a future of fortune for their children and don’t realize how important TIME is to the family. Time lost, one can never get back.”
Remario Bugahay: “No, the story didn’t make me cry; it stabbed my heart. I could only imagine how the Hoyts felt... the pride and glory and love in every pain and exhaustion. Yet I’m not imagining when I relate their trials to mine, while looking at my pregnant wife and our two-year old son. My family is my life, my inspiration. Yet I feel guilty when I cannot share most of my time with them after a hard day’s work. My wife loves me, my son adores me. I hope and pray that they understand the reason for my efforts. As every family man may feel, I’m more resolved now to give the best for my family.”
Jerry Gervacio: “After reading (the story) I felt the warmth of my father’s love; though he is miles away from me. I miss him so much as I recall our best times together. Very soon, I will become a father, with hopes that I, too, would become the strongest father.”
Nash Mayuela: “I was totally intrigued by that video. Even when the first note of the song played, I had an idea what that was because that song was just so dear to me... I felt that the Lord is working for me to revive my faith, that He is causing things to happen for me to see His glory. I’ve been struggling with my prayer life, been missing church three Sundays, and been inactive with my spiritual life. I’m struggling to renew my relationship with Him because it often ends up a failure. I do not know why the Lord led me to that video, perhaps He has something to say or He wants to remind me to trust Him fully.”
Alvin John Osmeña: “I was so touched it made me think of all the times my daughter says to pick her up at four and she keeps me waiting until five. It makes me furious but every time I see her coming, all the anger disappears, especially when she says a sweet sorry. This reminds me to appreciate everything my daughter has achieved and support everything she wants to achieve.”
Mofel Obiso: “I am here in Northern California now blessed with three wonderful children. I am a full-time mom and work part-time at night with the US Postal Service Encoding Center. The story touched my heart...
Sometimes, I get to a point where after I’ve done all my errands (attending to my children’s needs, taking care of the house), I say to myself “That’s it, I’m so tired!” But now, I will take this phrase out of my head. We never realize how blessed we are until we see someone else go through so much in their lives... and still doesn’t have a nerve in their body that complains.”
Jonathan “Maxi” Maximo: “Its 2:45 A.M. I can’t sleep so I opened my laptop and surfed the SSD website. When I was reading the story, I thought it was just one of those do-good e-mails. But watching the video was entirely different. You are right, it makes you cry... literally. Can’t wait to give a tight hug to my only son, Igi, and thank the one up above for all the blessings He has given us.”
