Walk On

Born with Cerebral Palsy, doctors told DJ’s family when he was born that he would never walk. Determined not to spend his life in a wheel chair, after multiple surgeries on his legs, at the age 9 DJ was walking only with the aid of a cane. Not only did he learn to walk, but he taught himself how to swing a golf club with one hand. Passionate about the game of golf, this 2008 season, DJ brewed up a dream. His dream was to walk every single hole of the 2008 PGA Tour. He traveled 38 weeks and attended 37 events…and walked every step of the way. At each event, he walked with a player and interviewed him and wrote about his experiences on a blog. He completed his journey in Orlando on Sunday.

I think this story amazed me as much as it did because of the simplicity of the dream and the determination to achieve it. How often do we go through life complaining about things that go on, thinking we have it so bad? We gripe and moan and groan when things don’t go our way. We fuss about the simplest things in life that really shouldn’t matter that much. And here is a man who has overcome unfathomable obstacles and achieved a lifelong dream to do something that we take for granted-to walk. It really struch a nerve and convicted me. I’ll be the first person to admit that I complain, even though in the grand scheme of things, I have nothing to complain about. I have a wonderful, healthy family. My husband has a secure job in a not-so-secure economy. I am in good health. We have somewhere to live, food to eat, a car to drive, and material possessions that shouldn’t matter that much anyway. And still, we complain. We take for granted the things that God has given us. And then I see someone like DJ Gregory, who is happy just do be able to achieve one simple goal. DJ is an example that no matter what your excuse is, anyone can achieve anything if they set their mind to it.

I have included the link to the ESPN video. If you have time, you should definately watch it. I promise it will inspire you. I also linked DJ’s blog under my list of websites. It is pretty touching too. I haven’t had a chance to finish it yet, but it’s definately worth the time to check it out. My challenge to anyone who reads this, is to stop and thank God for the things that you do have and not complain about the things that you don’t. Take a look around you…things could definately be worse.

ESPN E:60 Report:

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?categoryId=3060647&brand=null&videoId=3669128&n8pe6c=1