The Homeless Man With The Golden Voice And His Mom

Ted Williams and his mom Julia, from CBS’ Early Show.

By now, we’ve all heard about Brooklyn-born Ted Williams, the 53-year-old homeless man with the golden voice who panhandled on a Columbus, Ohio highway with a sign that read, “I have a God given gift of voice.”  (In case you haven’t heard, John covered Ted Williams’ story right here yesterday). After a video of him went viral on YouTube just two days ago, he is now being offered a multitude of job offers including a proposal from the Cleveland Cavaliers that comes with a house.

My son hadn’t heard the story yet but as he got dressed for school today, it came on the morning news. He listened attentively and his eyes widened when he heard Williams’ voice. At eight years of age, he is just getting into the interesting part of learning about current events. He questions why things happen, and he as opinions. It’s generally always a lot of fun hearing his perspective on what’s going on in the news.

Did you hear that, MJ? I asked.

I thought he’d naturally have questions about how Williams’ became homeless or wonder how his voice sounds that way, when he said, “Oh my God!” at the end of the newscast.

“What?” I asked.

“I could never go ten years without seeing you,” he said. “He said he didn’t see his mother in ten years and I could never do that.”

Despite the great blessing being bestowed upon Williams, he says the best gift he will get is the chance to see his 92-year-old mother again, who he hasn’t seen in over a decade. It made me think about Mrs. Williams, who lives not far from us right here in Brooklyn. She is being interviewed by various outlets, and she tells about how Ted’s addiction with alcohol and drugs ruined her entire family. She says her only hope is that he gets God in his life and stays clean.

It never stands to amaze me the way that kids view the world (not to mention melt your heart). While the world sees this gifted man (who undoubtedly lead a hard life) and his uplifting story of redemption, a Brooklyn boy sits in his living room and sees a fellow former Brooklyn boy who hasn’t seen his mother in ten years and hopes to never be him.

And a mom sits alongside him and feels thankful.