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INSPIRATION
“I was ecstatic,” Patrick John said. “I thought, okay, we’re not going to play baseball but we are going to play music
together and that’s real exciting. Let’s see how far we can run with this.”
Patrick Henry could have gone to any number of schools with his high GPA, but decided on University of Lousville, which
turned out to be a great decision. When the band director, Dr. Greg Byrne, suggested Patrick Henry become part of the
marching band it was initially puzzling to Patrick Henry and his dad, but would ultimately be life-changing. Patrick John
and Patrick Henry became a two-person member of the band, with Patrick Henry playing trumpet and his dad pushing.
This led to a six-minute feature on ESPN and opportunities to travel throughout the country sharing their story.
“I had the dream all parents have for their children, that my son would find a way to be successful, to be good and happy
at whatever he was doing,” Patrick John said.
Patrick Henry has fulfilled that in spades. In addition to his 3.98 GPA as a senior studying Spanish at the university of
Louisville, Patrick Henry has written a book, I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams.
As a recording artist, he has one CD out and is working on a second.
Patrick John has found inspiration in his son’s infectious attitude.
Patrick Henry has never felt sorry for himself or made excuses. He
thinks of his disabilities as abilities.
In an interview with Oprah, Patrick Henry revealed how his lack of
vision was one of those abilities.
“There are those with sight who tend to judge people for what they
see on the outside,” Patrick Henry said. “Their skin color, hair style,
or the clothing they wear. I can’t see that. I only see that which is
within a person.”
Having Patrick Henry in his life has brought everything into perspective for Patrick John.
“He’s my hero,” Patrick John said. “What he goes through, it’s taught me that I don’t really have any complaints. I guess
a father couldn’t ask for any more than the relationship that I have with Patrick.”
Max Associates stood in line for over an hour to have a chance to talk to Patrick Henry, shake his hand, and give him
a hug. There are undoubtedly times when this business can feel daunting and success almost out of reach. But in
that moment, as they looked into the sightless eyes of Patrick Henry, and felt the power of his spirit, the words of Ella
Wheeler Wilcox, from the previous day’s meeting, no doubt rang—if not in their ears—certainly in their souls, “There is
no chance, no destiny, no fate that can circumvent, hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.”
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