(MOBILE, Ala.) - At a time in life when most people would be slowing down, Clifford Thomas of Mobile is speeding up and stepping high! But that's what "Dancin' Machines" do!
"We all are gifted in some kind of way," says Thomas. "You just have to find that gift. And all my life, I guess it was in my genes... that this is what I do."
When he's not volunteering at USA's Children and Women's Hospital, the self-proclaimed "Dancin' Machine" is spreading the joy and jubilation of Mardi Gras, especially this time of year.
And ask him to search back through his 71 years of life, and he can tell you when his passion began - at a little grade school in Trinity Gardens.
"Someone gave us a bass drum and a snare drum," he says, laughing. "And honestly, we'd parade down the dirt streets! I'm serious!"
During years spent as a marketing executive at WBLX radio, Clifford was able to put three of four children through college, but is proud that all three sons and one daughter have been successful in life. That's another reason he's able to make a joyful noise this time of year.
But in 2009, Clifford noticed the Dancin' machine wasn't working as well as it used to.
"But I noticed for some reason I didn't have the strength I normally have," he says.
Tests revealed Clifford has prostate cancer. And during surgery to remove it...
"I had a heart attack on the operating table!" he says.
Doctors rushed to place two stints in his heart. Then radiation was used to kill the cancer.
The amazing result? Clifford Thomas recovered, and the Dancin' Machine was back!
Which brings us to the Dancin' Machine's five ways to happiness-
"Rid your heart of hatred, rid your mind of worries, live simply, give more and expect less!" he says, obviously reveling in the moment. "If you do that? Oh, yeah! You're gonna be happy!"
