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I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams
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. With determined optimism and courage, Hughes has made “I am potential” his mantra and defied the impossible at every turn.Now, for the first time, Hughes and his father share the full account of his extraordinary journey. In I Am Potential, Hughes recounts the eight critical lessons he has learned that are at the heart of his success, including “When Life Gives You Lemons, Accept Them and Be Grateful” and “Do All You Can to Change What You Can.” Uplifting and revealing, I Am Potential is remarkably inspirational for anyone facing challenges in their own life.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
18 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Henry Hughes
3 books7 followers Upon Patrick Henry Hughes birth the doctors noticed physical anomalies. He was diagnosed as bilateral anophthalmia with pterygium syondrome and congenital bilateral hip dysplasia.
In short he was born without eyes and he needs to live in a weel-chair, because his legs don't have the strength to hold him and he can't stretch his arms.
At the age of nine months he started to play piano and studied piano and had trumpet classes.
He joined the Louisville marching band playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair.
At November 2007 he and his family received a complete home renovation from the show Extreme Makeover:Home Edition
He launched a book, "I am Potential:Eight lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching your dreams" and two music albums.
In short he was born without eyes and he needs to live in a weel-chair, because his legs don't have the strength to hold him and he can't stretch his arms.
At the age of nine months he started to play piano and studied piano and had trumpet classes.
He joined the Louisville marching band playing trumpet while his father pushed him in his wheelchair.
At November 2007 he and his family received a complete home renovation from the show Extreme Makeover:Home Edition
He launched a book, "I am Potential:Eight lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching your dreams" and two music albums.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
February 9, 2009
I received this book from my husband on Christmas morning and he wasn’t too sure about (What he said) was my unenthusiastic reaction. However, I am so glad he did! This is the inspiring story of Patrick Henry Hughes’s life. He was born with a rare genetic disorder, his limbs were underdeveloped and could never be straight, he couldn’t walk and he was born with no eyes. His parents were devastated, understandably so, and this was their first child. Soon, his mom and dad moved past their grief and became committed to giving their son the best life he could have. The book is structured around eight “life lessons” Patrick Henry feels important to share. Each lesson is a chapter title, then Patrick Henry goes onto describe how in his own life, he learned this particular message. It follows a general chronological order but does skip around a bit. It is straightforward and simply written. His father also is a voice in the book, giving his own account of events from his perspective. His father is open and honest, sometimes suprisingly so when he discusses his immaturity and how unprepared he was to be a father. His transformation is just as touching as Patrick Henry’s development. My favorite life lesson was “Pursue Your Passion as if Your Life Depends on It”. Patrick Henry has many passions in life, he loves desserts and roller coasters, but his first passion is music. He has a natural talent; he began playing the piano at nine months of age! He is in the University of Louisville Marching Band, he plays the trumpet while his father pushes him around in his wheelchair during the games. I also liked reading how important different senses are to Patrick Henry, when he travels he brings a tape recorder to record the noises he hears. He sometimes takes out the tapes and listens to them and recounts his travels, just like other people look at pictures of trips they have taken. I really enjoyed this book and I am sure I will read it again to draw from its positive and inspirational insights into life. This is the type of read that made me want to be a better person.
“On the day I was born, you might say I arrived carrying a bag full of lemons, not the kind of thing my family had in mind. I think they would have preferred oranges; they’re sweeter and have less bite.”
“As I have met so many people, I’ve noticed that everyone eventually faces some kind of major challenge in his or her own life. But I’ve also noticed that with problems big or small, it can be tough to get out of your comfort zone to take them on. Usually, it’s fear of failure or of another kind of pain.”
“I think the litmus test for passion is how you react when your love is taken from you.”
“The most exciting life pursuits are the ones you can never fully master.”
“On the day I was born, you might say I arrived carrying a bag full of lemons, not the kind of thing my family had in mind. I think they would have preferred oranges; they’re sweeter and have less bite.”
“As I have met so many people, I’ve noticed that everyone eventually faces some kind of major challenge in his or her own life. But I’ve also noticed that with problems big or small, it can be tough to get out of your comfort zone to take them on. Usually, it’s fear of failure or of another kind of pain.”
“I think the litmus test for passion is how you react when your love is taken from you.”
“The most exciting life pursuits are the ones you can never fully master.”
February 11, 2015
This is not a book to read if you're looking for brilliant, flowing prose. You will not be inspired by its complex sentences and its lyrical phrases.
Despite all that, this is a book that will inspire you. When you read the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, you will feel like he and his father, Patrick John, are sitting in your living room, telling it right to you. There's no denying that you feel as if you have become a part of their family during the short 200 pages of this book.
My husband and I watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition religiously, and the story of the Hughes family is the one I remember most in all the years that we've been watching that show. Patrick Henry Hughes has the most amazing perspective on life and on his condition. When asked about his disabilities, often he will say, "What disabilities?" and instead focuses on all the things he CAN do.
When putting his blindness into perspective, he actually sees it as an advantage because he can't make judgments about people based on their appearance and only "sees" what's on the inside.
The world needs more inspiring people like Patrick Henry Hughes. It was a pleasure to read this book and to read his story.
Despite all that, this is a book that will inspire you. When you read the story of Patrick Henry Hughes, you will feel like he and his father, Patrick John, are sitting in your living room, telling it right to you. There's no denying that you feel as if you have become a part of their family during the short 200 pages of this book.
My husband and I watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition religiously, and the story of the Hughes family is the one I remember most in all the years that we've been watching that show. Patrick Henry Hughes has the most amazing perspective on life and on his condition. When asked about his disabilities, often he will say, "What disabilities?" and instead focuses on all the things he CAN do.
When putting his blindness into perspective, he actually sees it as an advantage because he can't make judgments about people based on their appearance and only "sees" what's on the inside.
The world needs more inspiring people like Patrick Henry Hughes. It was a pleasure to read this book and to read his story.
October 17, 2012
Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a genetic disorder so that his arms don't straighten, he is unable to walk and he is blind. Is he "disabled"? Read the book and you will find that he loves life and does so many things that the rest of us will never do....maybe we are the ones who are "disabled." When he was very young he began playing the piano and his musical talents, including singing, have expanded from there.
I have seen him on TV on "Ellen", "Oprah," and then his family was suprised with a new home on the show "Extreme Makeover, Home Edition." Patrick and his family lived in a home that was totally unsuitable for Patrick. He had to crawl around much of their old home as the doorways were not wide enough for his wheelchair and of course, he was unable to do the stairs. The new home is totally handicapped accesible, but they even had a little apartment for Patrick. He is now 24.
When he was college age, Patrick wanted to go to the University Of Louisville, but the kicker was that he wanted to be in the band......the marching band. How can someone in a wheelchair be in a marching band? They worked it out and Patrick's father pushed him in wheelchair so he could
be in the band and do all the formations.
The book is divided into 8 chapters or as they call it, "Lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching your Dreams." A couple of examples are, "Do AllYou Can to Change What you Can" and "Love Given Freely, Multiplies and Returns,"
I have seen him on TV on "Ellen", "Oprah," and then his family was suprised with a new home on the show "Extreme Makeover, Home Edition." Patrick and his family lived in a home that was totally unsuitable for Patrick. He had to crawl around much of their old home as the doorways were not wide enough for his wheelchair and of course, he was unable to do the stairs. The new home is totally handicapped accesible, but they even had a little apartment for Patrick. He is now 24.
When he was college age, Patrick wanted to go to the University Of Louisville, but the kicker was that he wanted to be in the band......the marching band. How can someone in a wheelchair be in a marching band? They worked it out and Patrick's father pushed him in wheelchair so he could
be in the band and do all the formations.
The book is divided into 8 chapters or as they call it, "Lessons on Living, Loving and Reaching your Dreams." A couple of examples are, "Do AllYou Can to Change What you Can" and "Love Given Freely, Multiplies and Returns,"
November 26, 2014
This is not a high-minded book for studious people. It is a simple book about a simple family and a simple son with an inspirational story. I have seen him speak and perform in person and I have watched his family on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Very inspirational.
December 15, 2014
I am potential is a very inspiring story. Patrick Henry Hughes is a person who has over came many obstacles. He was born with "multiple anomalies" and was very positive about it. Even when his parents were not. This book is a good book to read when you are wanting to give up on yourself or as a teacher when you want to give up on a student. If anyone does, Patrick Henry Hughes had every right to wallow in self-pity. However he did just the opposite. He thanked God for the oppurtunities he does have, rather than dwelling in the oppurtunities he doesn't. I hope I can get to that point. We all need to count our blessings and Patrick Henry Hughes, despite his disabilities, does just that. He is such an inspiration.
March 4, 2011
You may have hear of Patrick Henry Hughes--born with severe disabilities, including blindness, he nevertheless has an amazing musical talent and zest for life. He and his dad are regulars on the field with the University of Louisville marching band--even though Patrick is in a wheelchair. In this book Patrick shares the story of his life so far and the principles that have helped him overcome adversity and excel despite enormous challenges. It is a very inspiring story and one I definitely recommend reading.
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March 2, 2013This book really lifts up your spirits. Some of the experiences are a little out of chronological order, but the story and meaning behind them are good.
Patrick Henry gave readers a very insightful look into his and his family's life. He was very descriptive at times and made you feel that you were experencing things right along with him.
Patrick Henry and his family show you what families should be like, loving and helping each other unconditionaly.
It would be a good book to go back and read periodically.
Patrick Henry gave readers a very insightful look into his and his family's life. He was very descriptive at times and made you feel that you were experencing things right along with him.
Patrick Henry and his family show you what families should be like, loving and helping each other unconditionaly.
It would be a good book to go back and read periodically.
December 19, 2008
Blind, trapped in a wheelchair, and happy as can be. This is Patrick Henry Hughes. In college, in the marching band, has a girlfriend, plays both piano and trumpet, and happy as can be. This is also Patrick Henry Hughes.
This was for me a wonderfully enjoyable book about choosing which half of the glass you want - half full or half empty. Mr. Hughes consistently chooses the full half and does so with a wonderful grace and humility.
This was a wonderful read.
This was for me a wonderfully enjoyable book about choosing which half of the glass you want - half full or half empty. Mr. Hughes consistently chooses the full half and does so with a wonderful grace and humility.
This was a wonderful read.
December 30, 2008
I didn't think I would like this book because I thought it would be cheesy and needlessly emotional. So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself getting into it and appreciating it. It's easy to read.
March 26, 2018
"When you share your unique gifts, you discover the path to your potential - the plan God had for you from the moment you were born. So, live now, give now, love now, and laugh as much as you can."
Patrick Henry Hughes
Patrick Henry Hughes
February 3, 2012
A sweet story of an amazing young man. Find him on you tube.
March 23, 2010
I haven't actually finished this book. It is too hard to finish. This book is interesting and the people are great, but it is like having to reading a Reader's Digest interview of two people for 200 pages. The first 40 pages could be enough, but it just keeps going on and on and on. I feel like I am in a room with the father and son, listening to a casual conversation between the two of them about their life together. Their convseration is cool and they are nice people, but after an hour or so I am ready to move on. I put the book down and pick it back up again days later to read and it is like they are still talking about the same things over and over, but adding a little bit here and there.
Then I feel rude for not loving their book because the people are such a great example to others, but I think I would rather hear them speak in person than read this book. That would be enjoyable and uplifting for an hour and then we are finished. My husband heard Patrick Henry in person speak and then sing and said he did a great job.
There is no timeline, really. They are just skipping around with their memories. It would be nice if it was organized according to a timeline. And the Eight lessons are just chapter headings in the book, with no real effort to back up the chapter headings with related content to the title of the chapter. Rather, it is the same conversation, going on and on and on.
Then I feel rude for not loving their book because the people are such a great example to others, but I think I would rather hear them speak in person than read this book. That would be enjoyable and uplifting for an hour and then we are finished. My husband heard Patrick Henry in person speak and then sing and said he did a great job.
There is no timeline, really. They are just skipping around with their memories. It would be nice if it was organized according to a timeline. And the Eight lessons are just chapter headings in the book, with no real effort to back up the chapter headings with related content to the title of the chapter. Rather, it is the same conversation, going on and on and on.
January 27, 2011
Patrick Henry Hughes was born on March 10, 1988 to Patricia and Patrick John Hughes with several physical abnormalities, which included bilateral anophthalmia (no eyes), the inability to straighten his arms and legs, and two steel rods surgically attached to his spine to correct scoliosis. Thanks to the determination of his parents, Patrick Henry has become a nationally known singer, pianist and trumpeter and has recently graduated from the University of Louisville with a degree in Spanish, where he and his father were a two-person team in the marching band. The family has been featured on ESPN, Oprah, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
The eight lessons featured in the book are divided into chapters told through the point of view of Patrick Henry and his father, who is listed as "Dad" to avoid confusion because of their similar names. While the book does not really have a time line of events in Patrick Henry's and is more a collection of stories of the family's growing together, it is still well-written and very moving to see how successful he has become in life.
http://www.patrickhenryhughes.com/
The eight lessons featured in the book are divided into chapters told through the point of view of Patrick Henry and his father, who is listed as "Dad" to avoid confusion because of their similar names. While the book does not really have a time line of events in Patrick Henry's and is more a collection of stories of the family's growing together, it is still well-written and very moving to see how successful he has become in life.
http://www.patrickhenryhughes.com/
July 24, 2009
I have to admit, I'm only about halfway through this book, and I'm really trying to slog through it. I ordered it for work, so I hope other people enjoy it more than I am. I'm finding it frustratingly repetitive so far. For example, his name (Patrick Henry) is repeated in practically every sentence of the book. And I don't need the fact that he was a good baby and that his father didn't take a lot of responsibility in the beginning pounded into my brain on every page. Its sad. I think his story is compelling, but so far the book is not. I hope it gets better, but I doubt it will.
Update: I just finished this book, and I'm happy to report that I was wrong. It DID get better! The prose was less repetitive, which was the annoying part for me. Overall a pretty good book, although still heavy handed at times.
Update: I just finished this book, and I'm happy to report that I was wrong. It DID get better! The prose was less repetitive, which was the annoying part for me. Overall a pretty good book, although still heavy handed at times.
September 23, 2015
A fun an inspirational read about a young man born without eyes and confined to a wheelchair because of birth defects which caused his limbs to not grow properly. However, Patrick Henry Hughes is anything but confined by his life! He never lets a barrier stand in his way. A gifted musician, Patrick becomes an accomplished pianist and trumpet player, even joining the LSU MARCHING band (his dedicated father pushes him in his wheelchair while Patrick plays the trumpet). Patrick and his father have refreshingly optimistic and even comical personalities. This is a recommended read for anyone who needs a reason to see that the only limitations in life are merely the ones we place on ourselves.
January 23, 2018
Overview: Patrick Henry Hughes was born with a rare genetic disorder that left him without eyes and physically disabled. But he was blessed with rare musical talent—able to play the piano as a baby. Today, at age twenty, he is a nationally known pianist, singer, trumpeter, and marching-band member. With determined optimism, Hughes made “I am potential” his mantra, defying his disabilities at every turn.
In I Am Potential, Hughes and his father share their extraordinary journey and describe the eight critical lessons at the heart of their success. Simply and candidly written, I Am Potential is an inspiration for anyone facing their own challenges.
Thoughts: it was a nice feel good book. I wonder what has become of Patrick Henry as an adult.
In I Am Potential, Hughes and his father share their extraordinary journey and describe the eight critical lessons at the heart of their success. Simply and candidly written, I Am Potential is an inspiration for anyone facing their own challenges.
Thoughts: it was a nice feel good book. I wonder what has become of Patrick Henry as an adult.
August 14, 2009
Patrick was born without eyes, no hip sockets and is unable to straighten out his arms and legs normally. Rather than institutionalize him or hide him away, his parents teach him the wonders of life. He is an accomplished musician who plays both the trumpet and piano. He is a full participator from him wheelchair- thanks to his dad- in his college marching band. In college and majoring in Spanish, he hopes to one day work for the state department as some sort of ambassador. I AM Potential is told by him and his father and charts the life lessons they have all learned as a result of his physical limitations.
July 28, 2009
I greatly enjoyed this book. It made me think to appreciate the trials that I've had and that sometimes others have harder trials than we and we should be grateful and count our blessings. It was great to see the courage and resilience of this young man despite the things he was challenged with. FABULOUS READ!!
October 1, 2016
I hadn't heard of Patrick Henry Hughes before I took the audio book out of the library. If I was familiar with him, it might have hit harder. As it was, I enjoyed learning about his life and the obstacles he has overcome. And I took one tidbit from the book that I will carry with me. Do something you're proud of every day.
December 5, 2008
This boy/man is a great person who influences people by his wonderful personality, determination, and love in his heart. These things were inate in him, but it seems his parents have done everything right to bring it out. It is heartwarming and a good lesson in life.
August 12, 2009
Patrick Henry and his family are American heroes! As I read this book I couldn't help but think how different his life could have been without his sunny outlook and his parents determination to help him reach his potential.
March 30, 2009
Patrick Henry and his family are amazing and inspiring examples of creating the best from the challenges that they have been given. I enjoyed his positive outlook on life. This would be a good book to read as a family.
June 5, 2009
This is a quick read and an inspirational story. There are some great life lessons intermixed with details of Patrick Henry's life. He has such a positive outlook on life and now has written a marvelous book.
July 8, 2009
The story of a man born without eyes and with other disabilities but with musical talent. His father's devotion, patience and sacrifice for his son was the most amazing part of the story to me. I feel like I can never complain about my schedule ever again!
July 19, 2009
This book is an auto-biography of the UofL band member who is blind and crippled who received a Home Extreme Makeover. I am amazed by his writing. If I didn't know he was Catholic, I would think he is LDS. He is a great inspiration to me.
February 27, 2010
Fantastic!! This is a true story on Patrick Henry Hughes. He's a very talented musician who is also blind and has physical disabilities. It's a beautiful story of he and his family and about the potential that is in us all. This is a must-read for everyone, especially our children!
August 9, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I accidently deleted it from my books... I really enjoyed hearing of Patrick's story. Very inspirational and encouraging. He has such a great attitude and spirit! Highly Recommend.
August 27, 2012
Simple, straightforward and inspiring read about the life of Patrick Henry Hughes. It was not so much about the eight lessons why I enjoyed this book, but more about the attitude and tenacity of Patrick Henry, such a remarkable young man.
July 12, 2014
Inspirational! Patrick Henry has accomplished all he wished to do thus far in life through the pure strength of will and sincere faith from his parents who trusted in God to provide the tenacity their son needed to live a fulfilling life!
January 20, 2015
I've seen Patrick twice at my church. To say he is inspiring would be an understatement. I throughly enjoyed reading his story. What determination and sincere joy he has for life. If you need a good kick in the pants reads this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews