When I first heard the story of the ex-radio announcer discovered holding a cardboard sign on the side of the road, I was in awe. His voice is nothing short of amazing. It’s what I like to imagine God’s voice sounds like. Plus, who doesn’t love a comeback story?
It’s another overnight success courtesy of the YouTube platform, and of course the man who made it all happen by filming this brief video. How many people do you know who would stop and interview that guy? I know I’d be too afraid to.
Then came the Today Show feature where the newly-groomed Ted met with his mom after 20 years being estranged, and I thought, this woman is so mean.
All she had to say was how embarrassed she was that he was panhandling and how disappointed she was. Of course I understood where she was coming from – the man had fallen into the deathly trap of drugs. I get it. But I wondered why she just couldn’t be happy with this moment, reuniting with her son with shiny new opportunities on his horizon.
Then I read this article yesterday and started to see more of his mother’s perspective. Not only did he succumb to drugs and addiction, but he was not the only person directly affected by it. As it turns out, he left his own family behind. His ex-wife, Patricia Kirtley, was on her own to raise their four daughters and a son that Williams had with another woman and she managed to get the education she needed to support them. She did all this while being partially blind.
The harsh reality of his own self destruction meant that he was not the only one who fell on hard times. Maybe he needs to hear the shame in his mother’s voice to keep him on the right track. All that I know is, I hope that when he gets settled that he attempts to make amends to the other victims of his carelessness and drug abuse.
Ted Williams, please don’t disappoint your mother. You have been given a second chance, and we’re rooting for you!
whoa– had no idea– I didn’t see the whole interview on the Today Show— but yeah I hope he stays on the straight and narrow– and tries to make up for the lost time with his estranged family. very sad on all accounts.
Good post little lady!
It really is sad what addiction can do to a person and their family – you know first hand mama :)
It is sad when a person gives in to that try it from a friend or curiosity that all too often leads to addiction. It is sad that we do not stop to think of the effect on all those people around us, those who love us and/or depend upon us.
I agree, Judy – it is sad.
From what I heard on ABC the other morning, he actually has nine children. Seven daughters and two sons. It is par for the course that if a parent falls into severe addiction everyone around them will be adversely effected. It might not be as dramatic as what you describe here, but it is never a good thing for the people around the addict. Although he did say that all his kids were still around him out in Ohio and were pulling for him. Not sure of the particulars of that though.
When I saw him and his Mom on GMA, I also thought she was quite harsh. But, then I thought about my own relationship with a close alcoholic relative. Every family member around her reached a point where enough was enough. When she said she was quitting, it became prove it and then we’ll talk. You can believe just so often. Maybe that is where his mother is at.
I’m praying for Ted Williams. I would love to see him back on his feet, healthy, happy and whole. He’s going to need some help withstanding this whirlwind he’s now caught up in and maintaining his sobriety. God bless him.
I heard that too Bobbi – I am praying for him too. I really hope that that the works through all of his struggles and turns his life around.