Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story (Born Different Documentary) | Real Stories

Born a congenital amputee, John Robinson has no hands. His arms stop at his elbows. His lower legs are attached to his hips without knees. He is 3’9’’ tall. As a child, John's parents had many worries: Would he be able to go to school? Could he hold a pencil? Could he ever support himself?
Yet, through his remarkable tenacity, talent, and faith, John has succeeded in business and in building a family in a way that few may have expected from the outset. In this documentary from WMHT, we get to know a man who has made his way in a world not designed for those without the dexterity of typical arms and legs--a man who has gone on to lead what many would consider an ordinary life. Yet this ordinary life is actually extraordinary when one witnesses the determination required for John to do that which others take for granted, from driving a car to playing a round of golf.
From Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story
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[@beverleysamuels7934]

John is more a man than many men with 2 arms and 2 legs. He is an asset to his community and family. The way he lives his life is an example to many. Go John, go. Teach by living your best life.

[@TheJapanChannelDcom]

The father and the uncle are excellent examples of how to be loving and supportive.

[@-KMA-]

His Uncle, “He was a beautiful little baby” 🥺. You don’t need arms and legs to have a good heart and a beautiful soul.

[@shaka994]

Wishing I had half of John's drive and determination. What an exceptional person.

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

John had some awesome people around him..I love grandma and his uncle,they were his champions right from the beginning..😊 I'm glad his mom held him that day and knew she loved and wanted her child at that moment because many children born different, especially back then,were put in institutions.. It never really occurred to me that some people don't want the aid of artificial limbs,I just thought those who didn't have them,just couldn't afford them,and I didn't know they hurt..John found his own way on his own terms and he is truly an amazing guy..💞

[@natalieharris8602]

I’m 20 years in with MS. I think the hardest thing for me to deal with was realizing that I was still the same person just with a disease. People are the biggest challenge. The stares, the whispers, etc. I grew defensive because of this. Even Doctors were low-key condescending. I locked myself down in my house because I was afraid of negativity. One day I was out riding my scooter. A child approached me and asked why I was on my scooter. His Mother pulled him away to correct him. I told her it was okay. I explained to him what was going on so he could understand. I felt he understood. After he sat on my lap(with Mom’s permission) I took him for a brief ride. That made my day and it motivated me to face my fears. I’m very proud of John ♥️. People like him motivate him.

[@norman7527]

Much respect Natalie and to John and all others with limited mobility

[@whispermcgaughy7251]

I'm so glad you had the experience that changed your life..You deserve to be out and part of the world..😊

[@shyryTsr2k]

What a great story!! I'm so happy you've found the courage needed to be free in this world. Of course negativity and ignorance will never completely go away, but there will ALWAYS be many people in your corner cheering you on!

[@aussiejubes]

Love this, thank you for sharing. I think we are becoming more aware these days that normalising difference for children is so important. Everyone who puts in the emotional energy (& physical) to help take the weird and scary out of difference are doing the world such a beautiful and important favour. I'm a disability support worker and I mostly don't choose to speak for my clients, but I'm very vocal helping people to understand disability when I'm alone and it's called for.

[@-KMA-]

❤️

[@rang930]

after watching this I feel ashamed to complain about anything, what a great human being and real inspiration.

[@ruthkletke]

I love how your daughter Ariel said, "My dad isn't really different from other dads-----he just looks different". John you are a remarkable person and I'm so glad you did things your way....(insert music---"And Did it My Way")

[@paulaousley2012]

This is a wonderful man, so strong and a fighter. He doesn't know what giving up is. Wonderful father and husband.

[@lindareinen1259]

This guys got such a calming voice! He has a great attitude about his challenges in life, so positive. He and his wife, are both the kind of parents every child should have! 👍❤️

[@cottoncandy4486]

Loved the father's comments, you go ahead and scream. The doctor said the right thing. Take him home and see, knowing she would bond with her baby. The family was incredible, bless them. Climbing that darned mountain AWESOME !!

[@kathleenjohnston3129]

I love how John has dealt with everything that has been thrown at him . I loved this video.

[@katysummer9418]

The biggest challenge for people with disabilities is the society. They don't want or need pitty they need acceptance and opportunities. John you and your family is great! You can be so very proud of the way you were raised and succeeded. What counts in life is " never give up on the things you want".

[@ursalaminor8457]

Such an amazing father and family… a huge part of this miracle.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

He is a very positive example for everyone,as nothing stops him.he has a strong character and as a family man he appears to be fabulous

[@saverns]

This man is an amazing human. He’s more of a man than all the men I come across in my life born normal. Such a beautiful family.

[@JohnDLeo-rg8tc]

As a native Torontonian, I am proud to have shared our hometown with this incredibly inspiring gentleman. God bless you and all of your wonderful, loving family.

[@divamccall198]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL LIFE'S LESSONS STORY- I have no excuse or reason to complain about anything- this man is amazing!!!!!- His parents are/ were beyond amazing😍😍😍❤💚💜💙

[@helenbell1988]

Incredible human … I was diagnosed with MG in my early twenties and I consider myself very lucky in so many ways .. this man inspires me to make the most of what I have been blessed with

[@yvonnesookdeo5358]

To me, John expressed determination, perseverance and appreciation-nothing is impossible. I admire your wonderful family from grandma to the little ones.Thanks for sharing. 🌷❤️🙏🏾

[@janhorton5197]

My only daughter was born totally blind. I thoughts and feelings were exactly like John described. All the things she would never be able to do etc. Today she's the mother of four and extremely bright.

[@lindasharp8523]

I would have loved a daughter.

[@kristineclark43]

Let me just say John is all man. The way he treats his wife and children is amazing. He climbed that mountain WOW that is a wonderful human being. Looks like he learned by example his Dad and Uncle are also amazing men. When his Dad said "they pulled the blankets off and he screamed and I thought you deserve to scream" I cried that was so sweet. And his Uncle calling him a beautiful little baby. 3 good men. I hope he and his family have a long blessed life❤Kris🇨🇦

[@magdavanderlith925]

What a man!!! And, I want to say each person that spoke here is amazing, his father, uncle, wife, stephson, friends, teachers, grandmother and daughter. And, the way his mother taught him to be strong. No wonder he is so amazing 😊

[@terrylovesenegal]

John is a lovely beautiful man, he brings sunshine. Thank you.

[@ursalaminor8457]

He’s so beautiful!! From the very first hours of life a very special spirit. Thanks for the tears and indescribable sense of humility and inner strength you convey which seems and is superhuman.

[@sue5980]

Everything about John and family is truly amazing. What beautiful, loving and caring human beings. Thank you for sharing

[@gabriellemartin5206]

John is such an inspirational man. This was a beautiful story 😊

[@lalalalala232]

what an incredible story! Nothing stopped him from accomplishing his goals!

[@akasa000]

What an inspiration! Wishing you a brightly fruitful and joyous future. All the best to you John.

[@agnesmcdonald369]

The world is a better place, having this beautiful brave man 🙏

[@blazefairchild465]

John Robinson what an inspiration! I am so happy you have been able to accomplish your goal as you take them on. I think you have the most loving family I have ever seen, everyone from Grandmother down to the youngest all the most lovely people .

[@maryloushaw6858]

That is one strong man ..wow he puts us all to shame ..we should never complain ...he doesn't let anything keep him down

[@ShellbieB]

I didn’t see a man with disabilities at all, just obstacles that needed to be worked out, and strengths that were magnified. I seen a man with an amazing mind who perceives himself as normal and this has affected not only me, but everyone around him to believe the same… and he’s right… Wow! I love it! And want the same respect in my life… everyone does.

[@juliealbert9222]

What a great teaching video. Takes a lot of courage to do all the things that John has done. What an inspiration.

[@michaelmendillo7513]

What a great inspiration this man is, not only for other handicap people , but for every living person,,,Thank you John,,,😎✌✝💕💕💕

[@aimeem9867]

When he said it's more like a death than a birth I lost it. I also had a son with special needs.. Down syndrome. It's a bittersweet moment for sure and quite tormenting. To have to put to rest the vision you had for the future of your child and envision a new journey. Unless you've experienced it you'll really never know how you'd feel. I love this dad so very much. God bless you John Robinson& your awesome family for embracing you in such a way. You're a hero. ❤

[@laurslyes]

I wasn’t sure what I was starting to watch with this documentary. At the end I was hoping that my able bodied son grows up to be like John. He’s truly impressive.

[@jesseparaguya5544]

Very inspiring true story. I felt very humble and amazed at how John Robinson overcome his condition. Thank you for this video.

[@OliveandAshley]

This person is so strong. So many people aren’t able to have this mentally and physically ab successful life. That puts a lot into perspective. He has a wonderful family and I’m glad he was able to create a great relationship with his mother regardless of how she originally perceived him. She gave birth to an inspiration and a legend.

[@ramose83]

Very inspiring and motivating ... and a very good looking man 🙂 God bless John and his family

[@mygirlbumbaugh1883]

This is so inspiring! Thank you for this testimony. It is encouragement in many ways. I was intrigued to hear this because in my life, I had to humble myself and hit my knees so many times. I needed to slow down. This "get up of your knees" speaks again. How to stand and be strong in my life as a woman who suffered a traumatic life. But I have not lived anything that has not been lived through by others. Allowing your children to learn and cope and supporting them is the the biggest thing.

[@spiderreed350]

Usually these types of programs make me feel kind of sad and depressed. But this one didn't at all.and it had to be because John was happy and he wasn't feeling sorry for himself. So this story I feel isn't just an inspirational story for the disabled. It can make just an everyday type person happy and feel good also...Thank you John for your story and inner strength that you have...

[@AlanSpenceAlanGCCMSpence]

The Human spirit is Amazing! One man will curl up and cry till he dies! Another will adapt and move on and be happy with kids and a fine life!! 🙂

[@laurawirtjes7225]

Wow. Just. Plain. WOW! What an incredible blessing he is to the world!

[@joannemcguire7632]

Wow insightful story!!! Absolutely jaw dropping real inspiration resilience & passion to live his best life . John pushes past obstacles by thinking outside his comfort zone but does it anyway. Thank you for sharing 👌

[@helenfong3339]

John, your mother was beautiful & taught you to be resilient & strong. You are a lovely human being that inspire so many! I'm happy that you have a blessed life with your family. ❤

[@AndyOamo]

Nubs from the hip hop group Odd Squad Family was born with the same condition. He's one of the most inspirational hip hop artists out there. I was on vacation in 2017 and ended up at a small club in Utah. I had no idea that they had live music, and when I walked in there were two albino black guys and a white guy with no arms or legs on stage. By the end of the show I was hooked and I've been following them ever since.

[@kbee1735]

Outstanding program of a wonderful man and his family.❤️🇨🇦

[@cy4330]

What a remarkable inspirational figure. John says he is not gonna win any golf tournaments but I can bet all the golf tournament masters think he is the greatest winner of all because he did the impossible! He has won more trophies than any normal humans. Somehow I feel unworthy to shake his hand. I would feel very little in front of John. I wish more people would watch this wonderful story and find peace in all the challenges in life.

[@lynnpalmer5509]

I'm speechless but honored to have been able to watch John's story. I am so happy his Mom held him after he was born, to be able to bond with him. It seems like his Uncle was very supportive of John and the decision Johns' parents made about keeping him, and his Uncle showed that all through this beautiful story. John has truly become an amazing man

[@TweetieBird01]

His positive attitude is everything.

[@danshows602]

That’s the most motivating documentary I’ve seen in a long time!

[@mallow173]

John, it's easy to recognize the difference, yet the internal mental health you is absolutely amazing! It's quite obvious that you are 10 times the man than most! Hats off to you and I think it would be amazing to sit in on one of your sessions! You sir are a great man! It helps when you get the support you need, but in honesty, i have a funny feeling that you'd have done great either way. Some people have it in them, and maybe being a bit different is all the gumption we need to stand proud!

[@marigoldpluss]

It is a great blessing to see this movie, thank you for posting. It is perfect in every w a y !!!💖💖💖💕🌟

[@nickiewilson6985]

Your an inspiration to all and have a beautiful family behind you. So happy you followed your dreams. My husband left Niagara Falls in 1960 & we live in Vancouver, B.C, now Van. Island.

[@shemeciahaskell322]

This is so inspirational that you can follow your dreams in spite of challenges.

[@Jennifer-bj6ow]

What an inspiration!!! Great father, family and so very humbling!

[@cindys3435]

What an inspirational man and family!

[@shondra6]

This man is a true hero. God bless him. And his family. 🙏💜

[@Fti193]

Never did I expect this type story . Woow God has surely put his grace on him .How humble I feel to watch this story .Thk you John for sharing your story and God bless you Amen .

[@marydavis8132]

JOHN, YOU ARE AN AMAZING MAN. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR SUCCESS OVER 💯 YOUR DISABILITY AND LIFES STORY.

[@lisashields2513]

I’m so glad I watched this. The whole family is very inspiring.

[@ireneswee7074]

Keep it up, mate. You doing good. God bless you and your family.

[@sookie8762]

Every time I've felt really down and wanted to give up I think of this guy pressing on. If he can do it so can I.

[@josephinepenas5107]

Wow i love your story...you are amazing,your courage is unbelievable💖👏👏👏

[@janhorton5197]

John you are the most incredible man I have ever known about. Thank you. Your brain was most certainly not affected.

[@dreamerweaver7924]

Great courage and strength! Teach everyone to never lose hope and never give up! Fight for yourself and don't look for hand outs

[@LabradoodleTofuBoy]

This is why I watch KZbin. I enjoy watching REAL people & REAL inspiration. John is truly a classy man. What's not to like about him. Me? Whining about my driver swing. John? So what I can't hit 300 yards, I enjoy being out there on the course

[@janesmith9024]

Wow - what an inspiration. In 1961 when my mother was pregnant with me in the UK she was offered thalidomide (a sickness drug) which she refused (as she never takes pills and nor do I unless needed). As a result of her refusal I have limbs. I could as easily have been like John Robinson here. This family deserve a lot of praise for bringing him up as a child to be so well adjusted and content. If we can all try to see the glass half full not half empty and keep smiling the world is a much easier place. That his mother got to see his first baby is wonderful as all of us mothers want so much if we can to see our grandchildren and to know the generations carry on after we are gone.

[@matasha8038]

His stepson's acknowledgment of him says it all!

[@leticia-rl7yj]

Thank you for sharing your story, what a blessing🥰

[@spacequeenruby]

What an inspiration 👏 🙌 all things are possible through positivity, hard work and faith.

[@emosisenico1705]

After watching this inspirational human being❤...i realised that my biggest battle is within me ...everyday living is a given it's how you live it...Amazing how GOD puts ANGELS on this earth to show other people how amazing life can still be ❤🙏

[@Zero-hl2zy]

Wonderful story with good people around him and he is soooooo handsome God bless the whole family for being there for him 🙏👍

[@shaydore1561]

Truly Inspirational.

[@nataliasamborska6101]

What a beautiful inspiring human being ❤️❤️❤️

[@jesusistheanswer2074]

Thanks for sharing your story with the world, we all need encouragement sometimes and today I was having a ruff one but hey if you can do it so can I. God bless 💖

[@Tenamf]

Such a beautiful baby & a nice looking man so smart willing to figure things out his son is so sweet and daughter ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@robertaswain764]

Totally agree. A beautiful family, inside and out. John has a beautiful soul, a wonderful approach to life and good looks too! Thanks John, your story could teach a lot of life lessons 😊❤️

[@angelamccreadixon]

Wow I really enjoyed you story such a inspiration ,your a very special person it was amazing hearing your family and friends describing you as a person with such love and care. I think you would be great to be around 😊 best of luck to you and your family and friends for the future and that you keep progressing the rest of your life 😀🥰

[@normajanedehoag3432]

Love your confidence , you’re a wonderful human being

[@ASB412]

Excellent. A real man.

[@divamccall198]

John is truly a quality person- his wife is blessed- sometime women look for superficial things instead of looking at WHO the person is.

[@karenk3219]

Thank you for sharing your story, John!!!

[@Angela410R]

John you should absolutely write a book. You are testimony to what God can do through Ones Will to survive the journey through life. God bless you and your family.

[@SinCityRaider81]

The determination and strength. No woe is me. I look up to this man not down on him. God bless him 🙏 ❤

[@stompthedragon4010]

Amazing man. Amazing family.

[@yolandaneely6431]

This is an amazing life, when I see so many kids getting into drugs for no reason! This man story teach us yes we can conquer! His parents were the key and his wit and courage Made him have a successful life! Is not about what you have, is what you do with what you got!❤

[@dianavalle3877]

God Bless him for being himself + achieving what wasn't expected of him!! Congratulations John!! You're a great inspiration to so many people!!

[@loretta_3843]

Wow, so admirable! I wish I had his mental strength.

[@norrieblackeby1041]

What an absolute inspiration!

[@marihollway1984]

He has a great Outlook how you look at life from his point of view of his condition. I truly enjoyed it

[@esperanzakakazu8744]

God bless this child ,, god is always in you’re heart ,, and you💞💖🥰 so cute and wonderful child

[@ZfrZebra]

Very inspiring, thank you for sharing. .

[@pinacoloda226]

Wow, this guy is a true inspiration!!!!

[@laurarudolph7451]

Your awesome so inspirational! And eye opening to our own perceptions of people.

[@peggygray587]

Amazing.

[@maryshaver129]

Thanks for this

[@beth8095]

Awesomeness! Thank You for sharing

[@anneharris7815]

So uplifted by your life story, thanks for you life.

[@BlackRiverBay]

This documentary was made in 2009. I'm glad there are now much better adaptive technologies available for people with disabilities.