For 14-year-old Michael Macias, it is music that makes his world so wonderful.
"When I play the piano, it makes me happy," said Macias.
Macias is a musical prodigy. He plays by ear, and from his heart.
"It just seems like all the emotions, all that we see that we take for granted that he can't see, but he hears and he puts it to music," said Michael's mother, Angela Rafferty.
Born prematurely in 1999, Macias lost his sight when he was four-months-old. When he was two, his mom bought him a toy piano and within weeks he was replaying the lullabies on that toy. Later his mom bought him a piano, and he has never stopped playing.
Now, 12 years later, he wants to share his gift with the world.
"I want to be a famous piano player because I want everyone to hear me around the world," said Macias.
He has also taught himself to play the accordion, the guitar and other musical instruments.
But its Macias' passion for the keys that has him already in demand to play at civic, church and other events. He loves to play all kinds of music, from the blues to rock and roll, and country to classical.
For this teenager, his world is vision straight from his heart.
"It makes me feel calm and relaxing," said Macias, "like I see it in my mind sometimes."
Macias' mom says her son is helping bring the light of hope to others in a dark world.
"For someone like him who loves music so passionately, it's not impossible, and you can go for your dreams, and that's what he is doing -- going for his dreams," said Rafferty.
Macias is putting together a CD of his original music to help raise funds for Blindness Awareness Week in late October.
» Click here to view Macias' Facebook page. «
See It On TV | Report A Typo |
Send Tip |
Get Alerts | Send us photos
Follow @abc11 on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
