Tony Melendez - I Salute You
We all have problems, large and small. My mountain, may be your mole-hill, while your mole-hill may seem completely insurmountable to me. Of course, everything is relative. However, it's how we deal with our problems, that matters; how we learn to face the future no matter how insurmountable our problems may seem is what really counts.
I recently became aware of Tony Melendez via a short video clip I was alerted to by way of one of several mailing lists I subscribe to. Mr. Melendez was born with no arms and a clubbed foot in Nicaragua in 1962. He was a victim of side effects from the drug Thalidomide which was prescribed to his mother for morning sickness. His family moved to Los Angeles when Tony was one so that he could have corrective surgery for his foot.
Tony was also fitted with artificial arms which he wore till he was ten, when he disposed of them because he didn't feel comfortable using them. So Tony decided he would use his feet instead of his artificial arms.
He began playing a push button organ with his feet and then later a guitar and harmonica. In High School he began writing his own songs. He also became deeply involved in Church at this time. He thought about becoming a priest, but priests are required to have an index finger and thumb. Tony, instead, directed his talents to composing and performing music for Mass and Church events.
During Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to the United States he was chosen by the young adults of Los Angeles to perform as a gift of appreciation to the Holy Father. The scene which followed is remembered by the millions who watched on television, as the Pope stood, walked over, and kissed Mr. Melendez.
Mr. Melendez has since performed across the United States and around the world bringing with him messages against drug abuse and respect and appreciation for life. He has produced numerous albums, written two books and received several awards including a commendation from President Ronald Reagan as a positive role model for America.
The following 6:24 minute video from YouTube appears to be part of a much larger program about Tony's life that was presumably made for Hispanic television. Tony speaks in his native language throughout the clip, but don't let that put you off. Watch it. Maybe your own troubles will seem a whole lot smaller and less significant after you do.
Tony Melendez online...
I recently became aware of Tony Melendez via a short video clip I was alerted to by way of one of several mailing lists I subscribe to. Mr. Melendez was born with no arms and a clubbed foot in Nicaragua in 1962. He was a victim of side effects from the drug Thalidomide which was prescribed to his mother for morning sickness. His family moved to Los Angeles when Tony was one so that he could have corrective surgery for his foot.
Tony was also fitted with artificial arms which he wore till he was ten, when he disposed of them because he didn't feel comfortable using them. So Tony decided he would use his feet instead of his artificial arms.
He began playing a push button organ with his feet and then later a guitar and harmonica. In High School he began writing his own songs. He also became deeply involved in Church at this time. He thought about becoming a priest, but priests are required to have an index finger and thumb. Tony, instead, directed his talents to composing and performing music for Mass and Church events.
During Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to the United States he was chosen by the young adults of Los Angeles to perform as a gift of appreciation to the Holy Father. The scene which followed is remembered by the millions who watched on television, as the Pope stood, walked over, and kissed Mr. Melendez.
Mr. Melendez has since performed across the United States and around the world bringing with him messages against drug abuse and respect and appreciation for life. He has produced numerous albums, written two books and received several awards including a commendation from President Ronald Reagan as a positive role model for America.
The following 6:24 minute video from YouTube appears to be part of a much larger program about Tony's life that was presumably made for Hispanic television. Tony speaks in his native language throughout the clip, but don't let that put you off. Watch it. Maybe your own troubles will seem a whole lot smaller and less significant after you do.
Tony Melendez online...
posted by Jim Lesses at
4:04 PM
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