I came across a video about Ricochet and was so touched by it I wanted to share the story with Time for Life visitors.

The golden retriever puppy started training to be a service dog to help people.

Her owner, Judy started working with her when she was just 13 days old. Richochet was learning fast and her training was going just as planned.

As Ricochet got older her natural instincts to chase birds started to occur. Judy was concerned how this would effect Ricochet's ability to help people she would be working with.

It was a difficult decision, but Judy decided to pull Ricochet from the program.

At eight weeks of age Ricochet had began surf dog training on a boogie board in a kiddie pool. She continued to train and quickly progessed, entering contests and was getting better with each passing day.

A fundraising program called "Surfin' for Paws-abilities", which benefits individuals with disabilities, athletes with disabilities, adaptive surfers, individual pets, and other causes was developed.

To date Ricochet has raised thousands of dollars and continues to participate in various "FUNraisers".

For more information about this amazing dog visit her website.

We have also posted her video here on Time for Life

 

Dan Caro was born in Metairie, La. on November Sixteenth, 1979.
At the age of two, an unthinkable event would change his life forever. While in the family garage, the pilot light of a hot water heater ignited gasoline fumes and Dan sustained third degree burns to over seventy percent of his body. After being rescued by local firefighters, he was rushed to New Orleans Charity Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. While in ICU, a Shriner from the Jerusalem Temple in New Orleans, La. contacted Dan’s parents and told them about the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Immediately, Dan was transported by medivac to the Shriners Burns Hospital in Boston, Ma. where he would undergo many reconstructive surgeries and other treatments throughout his childhood.

Ultimately, as a result of the burn injuries, Dan lost his right hand, most of his left hand and is severely scarred. In the mid 1980s, reconstructive surgery that would give Dan the use of a moveable thumb was performed on his left hand. Since then, Dan has been living life to the fullest in the face of his adversity. His relentless
attitude and resiliency would consistently prove that nothing is impossible; including his lifelong dream of becoming a musician.

Dan, at the age of twelve, began drumming in spite of his loss of fingers. He plays by using the left thumb to grip one drum stick, with the other drum stick attached to his right wrist by a wrist band and rubber bands. With this simple device and an undying passion for music, Dan has become a very respected drummer in the New Orleans area. His unique personal style and musicianship has
landed him countless gigs with some of the world’s greatest performers such as Ashish Khan, Michael Ray, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Karl Denson, Marshall Allen and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey.

In addition to music, Dan is an Ambassador for the Shriners of North America. He is a professional speaker who shares stories of fulfillment and achievement; A prime example of bravery and courage.

Learn more about Dan's amazing life story

For one of the most inspiring father/son stories you will ever see, you have to read more about "Team Hoyt"

I was so personaly moved by this amazing story of courage, love and committment. Here is more information about this incredible story. Be sure to visit the Team Hoyt Website listed below for more information about the organization and be sure to watch the video on their homepage.

Team Hoyt is the inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick Hoyt, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country.

Team Hoyt strives to help those who are physically disabled become active members of the community. Join us in spreading Team Hoyt's message, "Yes You Can!"

Rick was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt. As a result of oxygen deprivation to Rick's brain at the time of his birth, Rick was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Dick and Judy were advised to institutionalize Rick because there was no chance of him recovering, and little hope for Rick to live a "normal" life. This was just the beginning of Dick and Judy's quest for Rick's inclusion in community, sports, education and one day, the workplace.

In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."

This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed, including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them being Ironman competitions). Also adding to their list of achievements, Dick and Rick biked and ran across the U.S. in 1992, completing a full 3,735 miles in 45 days.

Visit the Team Hoyt Website at www.teamhoyt.com

I came across this website and was really moved by their story.

Below is a paragraph from the site:

"A Glove of Their Own is for the kids who toss the bat to choose captains and pick teams, playing in a neighborhood field or an empty lot.  You’ll find no coaches, no concession stands, and sometimes just an old bat and ball.  But once the first pitch is thrown, you’ll find the real heart and soul of America.  You’ll find baseball in its purest form. And the publisher of A Glove of Their Own wants to help all kids know this simple joy by donating a portion of the proceeds to help bring equipment to the kids who play without it. "

As the father of a 10 year old boy who loves everything about sports this group really tugged at my heart.  There are many young people in our country that long for the opportunity to participate in not only baseball, but all types of sports. This great group of people is helping that dream to come true for youth across the country while also teaching the lesson of giving back.

Stop by their site and learn more about this great program and how you can help.

A Glove Of Their Own

 

If you take a moment to read the “about us” page, you’ll read about a co-worker who saw his son off as he went to serve our nation in the Navy. Yesterday we met for lunch and chatted about how life has changed since that day. It is fitting that we share this great story on Veteran’s Day.

Jeff’s son, Brandon entered into the Navy and served proudly and bravely. He traveled to many parts of the world and experienced things he could never have imagined.

Thank You For Your Service Brandon!

September marked the end of Brandon’s service as he returned to Virginia Beach, Va.

Brandon is now married with 2 children. His wife, Carrisa and their two children Candon age 3 and Ryan 7 mos. are now back home with Jeff and his family.

Jeff shared with me a story that I thought was really cool. Brandon and his family were relocating back to their home state of Idaho, so Jeff and his wife Carol flew to Virginia to help them pack and get ready for the long drive back to Idaho.

Jeff and his wife have long wanted to take a long road trip, just the two of them. So Jeff gave Brandon their plane tickets so the little ones would not need to endure the 2,600 mile car trip and Jeff and Carol drove their SUV home. Brandon and his family were home in a matter of hours while Jeff and Carol took that long awaited road trip. They took their time, stopped off at many attractions along the way and enjoyed their time together. Here is the neat thing…over 2,600 miles and Jeff told me they never once turned on the radio but he and Carol simply talked the entire trip. WOW! Now that is impressive!

Brandon and his family are now staying at Jeff’s home while he pursues new career opportunities and Jeff wouldn’t have it any other way.

Jeff and Carol have three other children. Ashley 26, Spencer 16 and Cameron 15.

Today Jeff is still with the same employer working hard but enjoying more time with his family thanks in part to the advances in technology. He is a drummer in a Christian Music Group and as happy as ever.

Jeff, you’ve done good!

Here is video from Jeff’s band.