HERO DOWN THE STREET
by Ronnie Huckeba

Folks that live in my neighborhood have become accustomed to a familiar sight that occurs just about the same time every evening. A kind-faced, seventy something gentleman rounds the corner in his shiny red golf cart. Sitting close by his side is his 41-year-old son, his only child. This is no typical joy ride for Dean and Eric Hackworth. They are not on their way to enjoy a late evening round of golf at the Course at River Oaks. Eric was born with serious physical handicaps. In fact, at first glance you would assume his problems are related to Cerebral Palsy, although doctors at UAMS and in Memphis have never been able to pinpoint any particular syndrome that would fully explain Eric's condition. His inability to chew or suck, both things that we take for granted every day, means that Dean must grind or mash all of the food that Eric consumes.

Most would have given up long ago and had a feeding tube inserted. Not Dean and his late wife, Nancy. "I have had a wonderful life," says Dean, with a smile on his face. "I worked at Matthews for 37 years and never had a problem. Nancy and I were married for 44 years and we never had a problem. The doctors told us that Eric was not going to make it and we have had him for 41 years."

Seventeen months ago Dean lost his beloved wife Nancy to heart disease. Since that time, he has taken care of Eric by himself except for the time Eric spends at the Sunshine School. Eric has been attending school there since he was 5 years old. Dean is thankful that he is able to take care of Eric's daily needs, and would have it no other way. Even though Dean is in his 70's, he does not consider Eric's care to be a burden, although he admits that it would be difficult to imagine anyone else caring for him with the same degree of attention. Eric's optic nerves never developed properly, so in addition to his obvious physical problems, he is basically blind.

Few things bring Eric as much joy as his daily ride in his dad's golf cart. Those of us that know Dean and Eric enjoy the sight of the red golf cart and the two men sitting close together as they wind thru the quiet streets of our neighborhood. That scene belies the underlying reality of the countless hours Dean has spent in the daily routine of Eric's care.

How many of us would be able to manage under the same circumstances and still retain an overwhelmingly positive outlook on life? The reality is this - because of a living faith in our Lord and his promise to take care of us no matter what, Dean and Nancy Hackworth took what could have been a crushing disappointment and turned it into a wonderful story of love, loyalty, and perseverance. Hero is a word that is used very loosely in our society and is applied far too liberally in most cases, but in our neighborhood - we know a real hero when we see one a smiling silver haired man driving his red golf cart into the setting sun with his boy by his side.

Be sure and pick up a copy of this issue filled with lots more stories and photos!

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