When Baby Born Without Eyes Is Seated At Piano, Dad Races To Catch Feat On Film

Nov 18, 2022 by apost team

Louisville, Kentucky, residents Patrick John Hughes and his wife Patricia had thousands of dreams for their new baby boy when they found that they were expecting back in the late 1980s. Patrick John could likely not wait to bond with his son over fishing trips and playing catch. However, all of these dreams were put on hold when they learned their son was born without eyes. But in 1988, when he sat down at a piano and found the keys before he was even a year old, they were blown away by his ability.

Not only was their son, Patrick Henry Hughes, born without eyes, but he also could not straighten his legs and arms because of a rare condition. The boy was fitted with artificial eyes and given a wheelchair to move around. Although Patrick Henry had a host of physical limitations, he was incredibly gifted in other ways. Even at 1 years old, Patrick Henry was able to demonstrate a love of and natural talent for playing the piano.

Patricia would sit with the young toddler at the piano and play a song. In turn, Patrick Henry could amazingly replicate the tune without even being able to see the keys. It was clear from a young age that Patrick Henry had an extraordinary gift for musical performance, so much so that by 2 years old, the sweet boy was already taking song requests.

As the young boy grew up, his love for music continued. He played both the piano and the trumpet throughout school and was even able to join the University of Louisville marching band, an incredible accomplishment for a boy with his disabilities.

But how exactly did Patrick Henry, born with rare and debilitating conditions — such as congenital hip dysplasia and bilateral anophthalmia with pterygium syndrome — go on to become a multi-instrumentalist?

Patrick Henry’s story began on March 10, 1988, when he was born with the aforementioned rare diseases that prevented him from straightening his limbs. He was also born without eyes, meaning Patrick Henry has been severely disabled since birth.

"It's just countless the number of dreams that died," Patrick John said. "And my wife and I were devastated. We just asked, 'Why us?' We played by all the rules, we worked hard. We just didn't understand."

But then Patrick Henry took a seat at the family's piano in their Louisville home. As home videos showed, Patrick Henry had a natural affinity for the instrument. Before he was even 1 years old, the musician-to-be was already able to listen to his mother play a few keys before then finding and tapping on the same notes in succession.

"You could go up and hit a note — no matter where it was on the piano and within one or two tries, he would find that exact note," his mother explained.

At 2 years old, Patrick Henry was already able to play simple songs. His dad would simply have to ask, "Can you play 'Twinkle?'", and the boy would start tapping the tune away at the keys. What makes his feat even more impressive is that Patrick Henry couldn't see the keys at all. In addition, his movement was restricted. And yet, despite these potential setbacks, he was able to find the notes, extending his short 2-year-old arms back and forth across the piano.

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Although Patrick Henry’s father was devastated upon discovering his son had been born with so many congenital conditions, his son's newfound talent demonstrated that his disabilities did not mean a life of setbacks.

"I was just ecstatic that, you know, we're not going to play baseball, but we're going to play music together," Patrick John said. "And that was really exciting. Let's see how far we can run with this."

By high school, Patrick Henry was playing blues numbers in front of live audiences. And then he applied to college. With his acceptance into the University of Louisville, Patrick Henry got the opportunity of a lifetime. The university's marching band director said he asked him whether he would join the team.

"I said, 'Patrick, would you be a part of the marching band?' And the reaction was just a little bit of a pause," the band director recalled, adding, "The next step was working out what we needed to make happen in order to have Patrick be involved in the marching band, other than just parking on the sidelines and playing his instrument."

Patrick Henry, meanwhile, was taken by surprise by the request. "My dad and I were hearing this and were like, 'Uh, right.' I mean, how and the heck am I supposed to march?" 

But this inspiring musician and his father quickly came up with a solution. As Patrick Henry Hughes played his instrument, his father would push his wheelchair so that they could be part of the marching band. Suffice it to say Patrick Henry’s father is one dedicated man.

Not only did Patrick John show up to every game to help his son with his marching band activities, but he also accompanied Patrick Henry to every class at university. That meant that Patrick John had to work the graveyard shift at UPS from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., only to get up again at 11 a.m. to help his son. But despite his grueling schedule, Patrick John was more than willing to help.

"He's my hero. I've told him before," Patrick John said, beaming with pride. "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."

Patrick Henry has since gone on to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in Spanish, a language he speaks fluently. He's also made a few television appearances, including as the recipient of a complete home renovation on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2007 and on Family Feud in 2012, as well as been featured in popular talk shows such as “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” His incredible story even made it to the big screen. In 2015, a film adaptation of his life titled "I Am Potential," starring Jimmy Bellinger as Patrick Henry and Burgess Jenkins as his father, was released. The film was based on a memoir penned by Patrick Henry titled “I Am Potential: Eight Lessons on Living, Loving, and Reaching Your Dreams.” 

It’s no surprise Patrick Henry, who has overcome so many challenges to live his best life, is drawing on his own experiences to help others as a motivational speaker. Patrick Henry’s determination – and his father’s sacrifices – are truly a testament to the power of love and family.

What do you think of Patrick Henry’s incredible accomplishments? And what about his father’s unfaltering commitment to see his son through college and marching band? Let us know how this family has inspired you and be sure to pass this along to friends and family.