I've always thought I had a tough road to hoe ... . that was, until I met Charlie.

Charlie was born without arms and without a leg.  He has never known what it is like to walk, or to give someone a hug or even hold something.  He has always been in a wheelchair and has steel hooks for hands.

Yet even despite all that, Charlie has the greatest attitude of anybody I have ever met.  There is always a smile on his face and he even works for a living: he works for a stage crew, setting up and operating the sound equipment.  He loves what he does and is very good at it, too.

Charlie wants to be a singer; he loves country music and claims George Jones and Randy Travis as his two idols.  He has written some songs and has a very good, soulful "country" sounding voice.  He has tried to break into the business, but nobody will give him a second glance because unfortunately, they cannot see past his disabilities ... or his wheelchair.

So until that big break comes, Charlie travels around, doing his thing; while it is a hard, lonely life, Charlie has managed to make many friends and has met many famous singers including Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and yes, even George Jones and Randy Travis, which was a huge dream come true for him.

I met Charlie about a month ago at the church I attend.  He came to the church as a visitor; I was drawn to his warmth immediately.  He wheeled himself up to me in his chair, stuck out one of his hooks, and said, "Hi, I'm Charlie!"  There was nothing shy about him at all!

He and I struck up a conversation after the service ended, and we became fast friends.  So now I act as his protector and act as his arms and legs.  We have a very close relationship.

In the meantime, as all of this was going on, I forgot about my own problems and learned just what true courage (and kindness) really is.  I owe all of that to Charlie Goodwrench, and I thank God for him each and every day!  He has changed my life (and my attitude) for the better!