Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Inspiring Young Man

Its been more than a week since my wife "fired me". I can't thank her enough. My workouts have been incredible. I am inspired. Her words to me about having a purpose when I workout really hit home. I was really moved to do my best...and then....I ..met a young man.



Bobby Martin of Dayton. He got a tryout with the Cleveland Gladiators Arena Football League team. My piece on him ran on our newscasts tonight. ( link to piece on our website) Perhaps you have heard about him. Bobby has no legs. He was born with causal regression syndrome. No Legs. His gramma wanted him to stay inside and shun the world. His mother told him to get outside and make it. That he has done.

Bobby played high school football in 2005. He was homecoming king. He has won an ESPY for his inspiration to others. He has a never" accept defeat" attitude. A book is in the works. Oprah wants him. Bobby is softspoken but packs a punch. I considered it a blessing to meet him and hope I can pass along a few of his words to make others "never accept defeat".

TRIGUYJT
What inspires you??
BOBBY MARTIN
"What inspires me is to go out and try to touch someones life. I tell them don't give up..make every day count. God put you here to do your job and never let anything bring you down or sadden you"
TRIGUYJT
What is the message you try to bring to people.??
BOBBY MARTIN
My message is to never accept defeat. If someone tells you that you can't do something, that should inspire you to try it. Accepting defeat in not a part of Gods plan for you.
TRIGUYJT
Who inspired you?
BOBBY MARTIN
"My mom, who never let me stay inside and avoid life. She made me go out and greet the world. If my gramma had her way, I would have never gone out. My mom let me go out and interact with the world. She is really my inspiration.
TRIGUYJT
What is like to know you inspire so many people?
BOBBY MARTIN
"Its a great feeling to know that every day when I get up I can impact someones life.
That I can give someone the courage to try to do something. It really inspires me. Its just a great feeling"

I know that some people will use less than flattering terms when describing Bobby. That its like a "freak" show when they have seen him . I don't buy that. Bobby is here for a reason. Whats yours????

23 comments:

Lily on the Road said...

Thank you so much for Bobby's bio, I am truly touched.

After coming home from work and feeling a little blue, I did some meditation and om's while yoga stretching. Trying to figure out "my purpose", I opened up your blog and WOW, what an inspiration....God Bless Bobby and everyone else making their way through life with a positive attitude. Thank YOU and Bobby!

Marcy said...

WOW! He is truly a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I don't even know what to say other than "Wow" Thanks so much for sharing this :-)

The Lazy Triathlete said...

That is amazing. Great story.

Rainmaker said...

Holy cow, that's amazing! It never ceases to amaze me what people can do when they give it there all and never give up. Thanks for sharing.

Wes said...

Wow! That's just incredible. I love people who see life as an oppportunity and not a burden. Thanks dude!!

Donald said...

Wow. Your post title says it all. Thanks for sharing.

tracie said...

what a GREAT post JT!!! I just caught your interview on the web, wonderfully done! :) Thanks for sharing!

rocketpants said...

That's for the post...he is inspiring!

Smithposts... said...

Humbling! I can certainly learn a few lessons from Bobby's philosopy of life. He is a real inspiration, thanks for sharing the story!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome young man! Thanks for sharing this with us :)

jahowie said...

Nice story. He is a great inspiration. I'm glad that you were able to meet him.

Mnowac said...

It's amazing how some people who really do have the cads stacked against them can be so inspiring and happy people. Yet some of us, me included, get so caught up in the drudgery of every day life and bitch about the stupidest things! Thanks for this post. I am having a bad day at work and in the scheme of things it really doesn't matter!

Eric said...

I remember the early stories about Bobby from '05. Great post, it inspires me to post today.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."

Rock on Bobby

Rock on JT

TRI TO BE FUNNY said...

Makes me feel ashamed to complain about anything. Thanks for the reminder of how inspiring life can be.

GP said...

I've seen stories about Bobby a few times and he just amazes me. It's awesome that you not only had the opportunity to meet him, but to tell his story as well.

He makes me believe I should go out and kick ass everyday. And that no one has an excuse not to kick ass everyday. Whatever you do it.

Thanks for the inspiration. Great story!

triguyjt said...

thanks guys for all the comments on the story on bobby....

many people...including those in the media, can be cynical...bobby cuts through all that malarkey...

he is really inspiring..humble...

Rachel said...

Wow. Great post. Seeing what he's been through makes me appreciate what I have so much more.

Unknown said...

Incredible.

Brian said...

Great story. Glad to see there are people like that out there.

Steve Stenzel said...

Wow, what a story!

RunBubbaRun said...

"never accept defeat"

That says it all. Thanks for the inspiring post..

Kurt said...

I run along the same river when I go to Akron. It can be a bit hilly along that river.

By the way dook lost and UNC won, the world is really good right now.

Afternoon Tea With Oranges said...

Wow - very touching. Thanks for the story!