Gratitude can Change your Attitude

Have you ever felt sorry for yourself? I sure we can all say yes to that question! Let me tell you about Patrick Henry Hughes. He was born with no eyes and a tightening of the joints, which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he's get it." By his second birthday, he was playing request ("You Are My Sunshine," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"). His father was delighted beyond measure. "We might not play baseball, but we can play music together." Today Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's with the exception of 3 B's. He's also a part of the 214-member marching band. You read it right… the marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick says. "My dad's my hero." He talks to people about how blessed his life is. "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability… the musical gifts I have… the great opportunity to meet new people." We all face adversity in our life. It's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our lives. One word… gratitude, can change your attitude and your life, forever. Sarah Breathnach said "When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present… we experience heaven on earth." Have a great weekend and be GRATEFUL!