know that his dad, who made his transition following an automobile accident in 1968, would be busting buttons with pride just as his mother, fortunately, continues to do.
the encouragement my parents, grandparents, and all in our church gave me that first time i sang before an audience gave me the formula that i have used to support and push my own family. i have raised them to believe that their dreams can become a reality. i say to them what my grandfather said to me: “if you can think it, you can do it.” i try to practice it in my daily life even today.
when i was growing up in 