Willie Burton: Wrestling, Heart, Gratitude
There are very few stories as powerful as Willie Burtons. One that comes to mind is that of Rudy Ruettiger famously portrayed by Sean Austin in the movie, “Rudy.” In this true life story, Rudy had the desire and heart of a champ! His height and physical build never allowed him to start at Notre Dame. It wasn’t until the last game his senior year that he was allowed to shine.
Willie Burton was born 2 months premature which led to him having cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a condition marked by impaired muscle coordination and/or other disabilities, typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth. Due to Willie’s cerebral palsy, his legs would never freely support his body weight and he would have limited strength over his right arm.
With the loving support of his adopted family, he taught that anything was possible. Fast forward to his freshman year in high school, Willie decides he wants to join the wrestling team. After passing the physical he becomes part of the team. This is where Willie pushed the limits of his physical body for the next four years and expose his heart, the heart of a champion! American Olympic wrestler Dan Gable tells Willies story best in E:60 Will Power. I recommend you take a few minutes to get to know Willie before reading the interview.
What does being grateful mean to you?
Being grateful to me means no matter how much success you have in life always remember where you started and how much hard work it took to get there.
Right now, in this moment what are 3 things you are grateful for?
First off I’m always grateful every single day God lets me wake up because to me every day you get to open your eyes and get out of bed is a blessing.
Would have to be my mom and dad people always tell me I’m a hero because of what I did , but to me they are the true heroes,
having a handicapped son isn’t the easiest job in the world by any means and they stay strong every single day even when times are tough.
Well on this one I have to say, my grandfather. He passed away in July of this year and he will definitely be missed. Through my whole life growing up he never once made me believe anything I wanted out of life was impossible. He taught me a lot and really is a big reason I am who I am today.
Could you share a struggle you had in the past 12 months that you are now grateful for?
Well, this struggle really isn’t over yet but I have the opportunity to write a book. This has been a struggle and I’ve really enjoyed working with the amazing writer Barry Kienzle. Barry had written two other books (“The Crossing” & “The Indian”) and he has taught me so much because I have a bad habit of just wanting things to get done right away and doing this book has really opened my eyes. Not everything in life is about how fast you finish it’s the result at the end that matters. So even though writing this book is a slow and hard process I’m really glad I’m getting the opportunity to take things slow and really see the progress.
People love to share your story. It inspires, is thought-provoking, and real! This is so true that one of your teachers had to tell me about you on a flight over a year ago. Once I shared GratitudeSpace with her she told me I must talk with Willie Burton. I have a vivid memory of that moment and the joy she had in telling your story! With that in mind, who inspires you and why?
Oh man, I hope she told you all good things haha but no I think you kind of answered your own question with that story right here. As long as my story makes a difference and one person’s life is inspired… I mean the feeling of people using my story as a springboard to go after their own dreams, there’s nothing I can ask for that’s better than that feeling.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your life so far and why?
Oh, I’d have to say winning that match my senior year for sure, not because I want the glory or anything but just because of all the other opportunities has had because of that one win. Being able to do a little motivational speaking and of course, the book. The more people here my story the more opportunities I have to reach out to others, so I’d say that win is at the top for sure
What is one suggestion you could give to our audience that can help them incorporate gratitude into their daily lives?
I would just say never forget where you started. If you’re successful in life always look back on the first steps you took to get there. Too many other people I think have tunnel vision to the finish line that they forget to enjoy the ride so yeah just always remember where you started and enjoy the ride of life.
In closing could you share where people can hear you speak and reach out to you?
Well, I’ll speak anywhere anyone wants to have me. I don’t have anything booked at the moment because of my book but yeah I’ll
speak anywhere anyone will have me, I’d love to. You can reach me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/willie.burton.169. For interest in the book or to book me as a speaker just e-mail me at williekyburton@gmail.com and I’ll definitely get back with you!