October 16, 2009

A Father's Love

A son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes". They went on to complete the marathon, together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying Yes to his son's requests. One day, the son asked his father, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together". To which, his father said "Yes".  For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride, and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon, along the coast of the Big Island. Father and son went on to complete the race, together.
This is one of my favorite stories, ever! 
I saw this story on Oprah, a few years ago, and it has never left me. It really shows the strength of the human spirit, and a father's love.
The video, set to this song, really changes the entire tone...and lets you feel the strength of our Father's love.
It is too good not to share, and it is nice to be reminded of these things, every now and then.

3 comments:

Jay said...

Powerful story April. It makes you evaluate yourself, doesn't it? I see it as endurance through love, and love through example. Sometimes I feel like I come across as selfish to our children, even when my intention dictates otherwise; when in hindsight I realize how much love I have to share with them, I just sometimes miss the opportunity because I’m caught up with unimportant distractions. We just have to show them through patients and endurance. Sooner or later they will get the message, they will understand, and so will we…

Miken Harding said...

April thank you so much. I needed that. It was one of those days where I just wantedto give up and quit. Thank you. I balled through the whole video. WOW! I'm ready to go again. You are amazing! I'm really blessed to have grown up with you and get to know you better now. Have a great Sunday. Good luck with Jason and your new paths, remember the Lord is in control of everything and you will be blessed and taken care of the whole way through.

Granny said...

My how inpressive. And what Jason wrote moved me also.I love you both!