"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary." Gerard Way

 

                                                                            Quote Fancy 

Dick Hoyt died on March 17.  Many will not recognize that name, but to me, he was a true hero. Dick Hoyt was a father of several sons, and his son Rick is a quadriplegic who also has cerebral palsy.  In 1977, Rick heard about a race to honor a paralyzed lacrosse player, and he wanted to be a part of that race. With the help of a a specially made wheelchair, Dick pushed his son in that race, where they came in last place.  That race was just the first of many to come over the years.  Why did Dick persist?  To make his son happy.  Rick told his dad, " Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not disabled."  Team Hoyt participated in more than 1,000 races, covering over 3.700 miles.  Dick and Rick also participated in marathons and run and bike races.  You can view all their stats at this website. http://www.teamhoyt.com/   

Dick Hoyt loved his son, and that love was the driving force that kept them on the run until Dick had to retire in 2014 for health reasons.  To me, Dick Hoyt is a hero.  He helped his son to achieve a life filled with love and fun and action!  Such a gift.

To see more about Dick and Rick, please watch this beautiful tribute to Dick from the TODAY SHOW.  https://www.today.com/video/dick-hoyt-marathoner-who-pushed-son-rick-in-a-wheelchair-during-races-dies-at-80-108882501841 

"Heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary."  Gerard Way 

Rest in Peace, Dick Hoyt.  You and Rick have been an inspiration to millions. 

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®

Please invite Grady Gets Glasses (and me) into your school.  if you are not in the Pittsburgh area, we do virtual field trips with a group called Field Trip Zoom or we will come into YOUR classroom via ZOOM.www.Fieldtripzoom.com  and a company called www.StreamableLearning.com GRADY GETS GLASSES was the winner of Best New Children's Book 2016 and 2018 (new edition) from The Authors' Zone.Grady also won a 2018 prestigious Moonbeam Award for Best Children's Book with Merchandise.

Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available  www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics. 

I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books.  Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self.  However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37

years. I remain inspired! 

Elementary teachers in Western Pennsylvania and beyond - I am willing to come into your classroom in person or as a virtual field trip through a group called Field Trip Zoom.  Check them out!  http://www.fieldtripzoom.com/ 

Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book.  I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading.  Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com  The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!

 Please like Dede's new page Grady Gets Glasses for updates about her children's book. https://www.facebook.com/gradygetsglasses?ref=hl 

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