We often complain about not having enough, regardless of our ample blessings. Yet, those who do not have enough are the ones who often are most thankful. We thirst for more, constantly unsatisfied, but making the most of undesirable situations is what makes the unlikely possible.
Below are four disabilities turned into four great feats:
1. Jim Abbott
The New York Yankees, the most prestigious team in American professional sports, have achieved many feats, against great odds. The greatest one was one-handed pitcher Jim Abbott’s no-hitter in 1993. Amazingly, Abbott’s no-hitter was thrown against a Cleveland Indians team that reached the World Series the following season.
Making it to the MLB with only one hand is notable, but to also achieve what only a few pitchers have accomplished is remarkable. Still not impressed? Sure, pitching requires only one hand, but Abbott's remarkable streak continued as he recorded two hits and three runs batted in as a batter during his stint with the Milwaukee Brewers.
2. Rick Allen
Just when British heavy metal band Def Leppard reached worldwide fame in the mid-1980s, the band's drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a one-car accident. Anyone who has playfully air-drummed knows that both arms are required to play the drums, especially in heavy metal. Allen survived the 1984 accident, but lost his left arm; this set-back did not stop him as he returned to the stage in 1986.
Allen is sure to stick around despite repercussions. Beating the odds, Allen is still head-banging with a grateful smile on his face.
3. Anthony Robles
Every college football season has the same two aspects: A Heisman Trophy winner and a National Champion. The NCAA has been marching the same product onto the field for decades, yet millions of people are captivated. In 2011, a different story graced the NCAA, but fans still prioritized football, regardless if nothing actually changed.
Anthony Robles overcame a more unlikely situation than Tim Tebow ever did. Robles, born without a right leg, won the 2011 NCAA Division 1 wrestling National Championships. Against world-class, able-bodied opponents, Robles finished his senior season with a perfect 36-0 record.
Robles does not have a physical leg to stand on, but that did not prevent him from having a leg up on the competition. Robles is now a motivational speaker and Nike athlete.
4. Tom Whittaker
Based on true events, Baltasar Kormákur's film "Everest" is about overcoming the world's greatest climb. But Tom Whittaker's story is about a man who overcame the world's greatest climb despite a lost limb.
Despite having his foot amputated following a car accident in 1979, Whittaker climbed Mount Everest in 1998, becoming the first disabled person to ever make the 29,028-foot climb. While the odds were against him, Whittaker put his best foot forward to scrape the earth's ceiling.
Having a perfect scenario is unrealistic, but having a perfect attitude is what makes our dreams a reality.
