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I'm sure you get these emails every day, so one more can't hurt. I wanted to let you know that you are quite the pair, and my hat is off to you both. Dick, you know that you are the premier father of all time, for the dedication that you show to your son, and obviously you are one hell of an athlete. I never thought the word 'determination' needed to be redefined, but apparently you did. You make me begin to believe what is possible. Rick, as much as I am impressed with your dad, I want you to know that you have had a much more tremendous impact on me today. As I reviewed your website and saw the laundry list of accomplishments, I found myself in awe of all of the physical things you two had done together. But I was also surprised by the academic goals you have attained. That is what made me really take note: I was surprised that you were a college graduate and surprised that you are working on that eagle eyes project. And I realized that I am sad that I was surprised. The fact that I overlooked your obvious mental capabilities made me ashamed. After reading everything about acceptance, I still missed the point. After this cold realization sunk in, I recognized that as good as your story is, the real value in it is making someone like me realize that I didn't default to giving you a fair shake. Even after seeing what you had done with the races, I basically gave that credit to your dad, and I didn't give you the benefit of the doubt to simply assume that you went to college. When it comes to possibilities, Rick, your father made me believe, but you made me understand. But you know what? Thats why I am more impressed with you Rick. YOU are the one that made me think beyond where I would have been able to think by myself. You are the one that made me smarter today. You are the one that taught me. You are the one took me beyond awe, and threw the switch in my brain to really understand 'possibility', and 'acceptance'. And dammit, you are the one that keeps making me take breaks from writing to you to blow my nose and wipe my eyes, because I am overwhelmed with the realization with how amazing you are. So thanks to both of you for doing all that you have done. Thanks to Dick for setting the bar so very high for me, because I will do everything I can for my daughter. No matter what the hurdle, I will go the distance for her. She is only 14 months old, so I am glad I found your story to kick me in the butt before I wasted any time being lazy or selfish. And thanks to you Rick, for reminding me that we should default to acceptance, and simply assume that people are capable. Different sure, but capable all the same. I thank you both so much. I know I am a better person since finding your story. Can. You bet your butt we can. From my family to yours, we wish you only the best. And we expect nothing less for you all. Josh |