I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams

by Patrick Henry Hughes

Book Overview

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and physically disabled. But he was also blessed with exceptional musical talent--able to play the piano as a toddler and now, at age 19, a nationally known pianist, singer, and trumpeter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and the Kennedy Center. Currently he's a member of his college marching band, playing while his devoted father pushes him in his wheelchair...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0738212989
• ISBN13: 9780738212982
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A Powerful Book for Those Who Face Challenges

This autobiographical book by Patrick Henry Hughes and his father, is a most moving look at the challenges Patrick faced having been born blind and somewhat immobile. Having heard him speak at another time he says that he is not disabled, simply potential. He does not smooth over the difficulties by any means but emphasizes the joy of succeeding in small ways. A book that makes those of us who are able-bodied, thankful, and makes those of us who have challenges realize that there is hope. Definitely worth reading!!

Positive review

I found this book to be quite inspirational, and would recommend it to anyone who really needs a "pick me up!!!"

An Inspiration For All

Quite simply put, read this book and check out who Patrick Henry Hughes is. He is a true warrior and an exemplary human being for any able-bodied adult who is feeling sorry for him/herself. What else can be said about a young man who refused to let multiple birth defects get in the way of reaching his dreams? Ear-trained classical pianist virtuoso, trumpeter, vocalist, fluent in Spanish, college student, marching bandmate.....Just a "small" list of accomplishments for a man born with no eyes, deformed hands and confined to a wheelchair for life. When I first saw him sing "Amazing Grace" on The Hour Of Power, I was not only very impressed, but I ordered his book right away. Here is a person that did not see the score stacked against him -- he used his circumstances and talents to his advantage and pursued his passions with zest. What he conveys in this book, well worth reading, is how he faced life's challenges, adapted/conquered...and made the most out of challenging situations. This is a lesson to people who face no debilitating defects, who can walk and see on their own, to face what life deals them and act accordingly.

Even better in person!

I have not yet had the chance to read the entire book.... but after recently seeing Patrick Henry Hughes and his father Patrick at our annual meeting here in Louisville, the crowd of 600 or so was blown away. Being in Louisville, we have seen a lot more coverage than most on this story since Extreme Makeover: Home Edition rolled into town in late 2006 to film, tear down the house, and rebuild. I thought I had heard it all, but the book and seeing them in person paints an even deeper story. Patrick Henry Hughes and his family are the real deal, with he and his father delivering a heart-wrenching motivational message in a one-two punch with lots of humor, mixed in with lots of piano and singing by Patrick Henry. He is SO talented. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Patrick Henry. This book is just one part of the story. Read the book, but go see him if you get the chance. They are on motivational speaking tours across the nation.

Thank You Patrick Henry!!

Thank You Patrick Henry!!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful story with the World. Thank you for allowing us to know you and your delightful family. Thank you for all that you have done to help the Crusade for Children, the March of Dimes, etc., etc.,. But mostly, thank you for inspiring both the physically able, and the disabled into being the BEST person we can be. God doesn't make mistakes. We were made the way we are, for a reason. I think, Your purpose is to share your many special gifts with the World. Through you, we see the World in a new light! Shine on, Shine on Patrick Henry!!

Thank you for sharing your world, I learned so much.

Thank you for sharing your world, I learned so much. My son shares the same March 10th birthday as Patrick Henry. My son was also born with severe Bilateral Microphthalmia or small eyes, he is also blind. My son is now 19 months old and reading this book gave me some insights on what I might expect in the future. Reading about the struggles and hardships that Hughes family has tackled and overcome is inspiring. As a father of a boy with a similar condition - Patrick John Hughes insight as a father was enlightening. Anyone wishing to read a good book should sit down and read this story. I know my opinion is biased - but again it is only my opinion. It will be interesting to see what book gets written 20 years from now about the young adult life of Patrick Henry. I wish Patrick and his family the best. His optimism has helped my family and other families that I know that are dealing with blindness. Hopefully Patrick will continue to break down barriers and share his talents with all.