Patrick Henry Hughes was born without eyes, and with a rare condition known as pterygium syndrome, accompanied by hip dysplasia, and was playing piano before he could talk.
The condition prevents Patrick from being able to straighten his arms and legs, leaving him wheelchair-bound.
You would think that with so many obstacles facing young Patrick he would never lead a normal life, and you would be right.
Patrick’s so-called “disabilities” have enabled him to lead an extraordinary life. Patrick is a musical prodigy.
Patrick started showcasing his abilities in music before he was even one. His father, Patrick John Hughes, first sat his son at a piano when he was only nine months old. He would hit several notes, and baby Patrick would find the keys and replicate what he heard.
This bred new excitement into Patrick’s father, as dreams he thought had died with his son’s condition began to reshape themselves from sports to music.
In the video below, Patrick Sr shares his thought process at the time saying,
I was ecstatic. We weren’t going to play baseball, but we’re going to play music together, and that was exciting. We’re going to see how far we can run with this!
Oh boy, was he ever right about that! When Patrick’s dad realized his potential, and how much he clearly loved music, he started teaching him more and more.
At only two years old, Patrick could listen to a song once and repeat it perfectly on the piano. He started playing requests without flaw, and continued to pursue music through school and had advanced to playing the trumpet and singing by high school.
With the unwavering support of his father and his perfect grades, Patrick went on to attend the University of Louisville.
By this time Patrick’s reputation preceded him, and he was asked to join the University’s prestigious marching band.
At first, the notion of joining a marching band gave Patrick pause because well, you need legs to march, or so he thought.
My Dad and I are hearing this and we’re like ‘ugghh’…I mean how am I supposed to march?!
Together, that’s how!
It was Patrick’s Dad, this time, who wouldn’t let his condition define him. When he realized this was something his son wanted to do he was there to back him 110%.
Patrick’s father took a graveyard job with UPS so that he could spend his day with his son, accompanying him to school as an aid, and joining in at every band practice to learn the marches.
The true inspiration we can draw from Patrick Henry’s story is that with unconditional love, there is nothing a person can’t accomplish, “disabled” or not.
He’s my hero! I’ve told him before, what he goes through…it’s taught me that I don’t have any complaints. I gues a father couldn’t ask for anyhting more than the relationship that I have with Patrick
Patrick feels the same way! He believes that physical limitations do not equate to disabilities. Rather, he believes you gain from being met with adversity.
More than just a musical prodigy, Patrick went on to graduate with highest honors from his University. As an adult, he is a motivational speaker and is proof-positive that there is nothing that can stop a person who has passion, determination and, most importantly, love.
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