Journal

I Am PotentialPosted on 01/08/09, 08:48 pm Not too long ago while I was at Barnes & Noble, and I came across this inspiring book about an amazing & incredible young man, Patrick Henry Hughes, whom was born with an extremely rare genetic disorder: arms that could not straighten, legs that would never be able to walk, and most devasting of all, permanent blindness. He had been born with no eyes. He wrote this book to show we may all experience obstacles to overcome in our lives. But what if you or your child faced the unthinkable? To share a little bit of this book with you, I am going to share the Foreword with you. Please bare with me; I promise once you read it, you will understand why I not only bought the book, but why I wanted you to know about it.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God--Matthew 5:9

I have seen firsthand the power of Patrick Henry Hughes to transform tens of thousands in an instant. And the beauty of it is, all who were present, including Patrick Henry, were unaware of what was taking place. I'm a big University of Louisville Cardinals fan, and I always attend the home football games. The first time I witnessed Patrick Henry "marching up" with the Louisville band at halftime, I admit I choked up. There he was, sitting in his wheelchair and playing the trumpet while his father expertly guided him through the halftime marching routine, meshing perfectly with the other two-hundred-plus band members as they crisscrossed the field. The transforming event took place in Novemeber 2006, during a football game between the University of Louisville and a major Big East conference rival. Sitting in the visitors' section across the aisle from me were five thousand rowdy fans, many of them wearing sweatshirts painted with nasty phrases about Louisville. They were throwing ice and debris into our section, not to mention the fighting words laced with obscene gestures coming our way. During TV timeouts, their group booed whenever the annoncer introduced individual Louisville student athletes who were being honored for academic achievement and professors and others cited for outstanding service. At halftime, when the marching band made its way onto the field, these fans booed even louder, drowning out their music. Their fans seemed determined to push a confrontation. And many on the Louisville side were eager to accommodate them. As the halftime show was winding down, it was announced that Patrick Henry Hughes would perform. There was excitement, then grumbling among the Louisville faithful. The sentiment was strong that if those surly fans booed Patrick Henry and drowned out his performance, there would be war. You could feel the tension build as we waited. As Patrick Henry appeared on the giant TV screen in the end zone, the camera zoomed in for a close-up. He struggled briefly with his sunglasses, and I glanced over at the visitors section. Their fans had no idea who Patrick Henry was or what to expect. All they could see was a young man in a band uniform seated at a keyboard: nothing terribly unusual about that. Yet, something must have told them this was a special moment. Suddenly, all was as leaned forward, ready to play. There was a brief hesitation, and then Patrick Henry's fingers danced across the keyboard and launched into the Ray Charles hit "What'd I say." The moment he began, the entire place erupted. Everyone was clapping and cheering wildly--and to my astonishment, the positive response from the rival fans matched the intensity ofr Louisville's. As Patrick Henry performed on the big screen, I watched in wonder as the agressive, tough guys who were threatening us moments ago now smiled and gave the Louisville fans two thumbs up. Fans on both sides were actually exchanging high-fives across the aisle. Impending war had morphed seamlessly into loving peace. We all were united, a massive family bonded briefly in our appreciation and respect for this extraordinary young man who had overcome so much. It was truly beyond comprehension to me, but as I would later learn, it was typical in the world of Patrick Henry Hughes. Everyone in the stadium was touched that night, and for a fleeting moment, one holy instant, we communicated on a deeper level than what we rarely get to visit in our daily lives. Ever so slightly, and perhaps only quite briefly, we were changed.

My first meeting with Patrick Henry Hughes, face to face, was equally and inexplicably powerful. He and his dad, Patrick John Hughes, came to my home for a visit. I write a column for the Louisville Courier-Journal and had devoted my Thanksgiving Day column to that football game. Patrick John and I had been emailing back and forth ever since. Patrick Henry wanted to write a book, and we were meeting to discuss my helping him with the project. I had my doubts if I'd have the time, mostly because my plate was overflowing with obligations that kept me running night and day. Over the years, I have come to appreciate that sometimes the most incredible things happen when it appears nothing at all is going on. This was one of those occasions. Dad wheeled Patrick Henry onto my back porch. The young man greeted me, we shook hands, and for some reason, I held his hand longer than is customary. Yet he smiled at me and seemed perfectly comfortable that I was holding on. I know now that touch is so important to him as a primary source of information.

There are those among us who are able to touch us genuinely, to instantly disarm us, and in so doing allow communication soul to soul. Patrick Henry is one of these rare individuals. He is gifted in many ways, but he also possessess an innocence that, even from a distance, reaches out so unconditionally, you are moved to respond in kind. And somehow, this intimate contact with someone you've never met before seems like the most natural thing in the world.
When I met Patrick Henry that day, there was profound sense of familiarity surrounding him. I felt as if I had known him all my life. When I held his hand and heard his voice, I knew something I hadn't moment ago. I realized I would learn from him.

Patrick Henry Hughes is unique, and not just because he was born with a basketful of infinitely rare physical disabilities. On the contrary, he's unique because of his amazing attitude about it. He told me, "I'm blind and I live my life in a wheelchair, so some people might feel that, Gee, what a terrible thing to have to live like that.' But I don't see it that way. When I go to bed at night and count my blessings, I have a long list to go through." Ask him about his disabilities, and he'll be quick to tell you, "What disabilities? People who are disabled can't do things. I can do things--whatever I set my mind to. My mom and dad raised me that way." These are not just words put together in a second bite to attract attention. They are Patrick Henry's credo, his philosphy of life. This book is not only the story of Patrick Henry's life, but also a guide for those who seek to live their own life to the fullest each day. In getting to Know Patrick Henry and the Hughes family, and watching their impact on others, several distinct, core elements emerged to help explain who he is and why he has been able to rise above profound adversity. These elements form the basis for the eight lessons on living with faith and without fear, loving unconditionally, and reaching your dreams--no matter how attainable they may seem. Patrick Henry Hughes is truly a blessing to our world and an example of the potential that lives within us all.
---Bryant Stamford---
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I know that was pretty long, and I apologize for that. The reason I wanted to share his story with you is because not only was I inspired by reading what I have thus far, but because I was hoping you would be inspired as well. I am not sure too many people know this, but before I got that book I was so distraught of being sick & in pain all the time. I was seriously considering giving up. I honestly never thought I would ever come to that point, but when your body constantly works against you, and everything you try doesn't work; you just don't know where to turn to anymore. Here, I have a wonderful Fiance named Jack, and he has been there for me through the roughest times, and I was still considering ending my life. I felt so hopeless, and selfish all at the same time. Jack's father had committed suicide while Jack was very young, and here I was considering putting him through that again. What the hell was wrong with me? I ended up getting a gift card to Barnes & Noble, and I like checking into Self-Help Books. As I turned the corner, I came across the book I Am Potential by Patrick Henry Hughes, and I was automatically touched just by reading the cover of the book. What an inspiration that young man is, and I realized if he could go through all of those obstacles, and have the wonderful attitude he has, and inspire so many people; what an inspiration he could be to me as well. Yes, I've been through the ringer, but you know what, I can hold on just as he has, and make it. God had answered my prayers, and led me to that book. I hope it was ok that I shared a little bit of Patrick Henry's story, and a little of mine as well. Before, I end this, I was going to ask you if you would like me to share the book with you?! Each day I can type in a chapter, and we could read the book together, and share the incredible inspiration of Patrick Henry Hughes. Please let me know, and from the bottom of my heart, Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.

Ok, I fibbed there is one more thing I would like to add, Whether you have a disability of any kind, or not, or if you are dealing with pain, the loss of a loved one, depression, or what have you; please do not give up, and hold on to everyone in this group, and keep encouraging, and loving & supporting one another. All of us will make it, we just need each other, and a whole lot of faith!!!! I even have to learn to take my own advice!!!

Also, I wanted to say I apologize for not writing the next chapter of Don't Sweat The Small Stuff. To be honest, I have been on here longer than I should have, and my eyes are killing me. I really need glasses, and unfortanetly, I can't get them until next month. Jack is kind of putting his foot down, and making me stop. I have to agree with him.
I love you all, and I will write the chapter from the book tomorrow. Also, if you want me to write a chapter from Patrick Henry Hughes book; it would be my pleasure. Please let me know what you think. Oh-no, I am in trouble. Goodnight my friends!!!

If there is ever a time you would like me to share this book with any of you; I would be more than happy to write a chapter everyday. Please trust me, you would get inspired by the remarkable man. I know I am. I am going to write the first chapter in my journal, and maybe a few other groups. I would really like to hear from feedback from you guys.