The American Dream
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, January 13, 2011 10:00 AM
I have been following with great interest the story of Ted Williams, the sign-holding homeless man “with the golden voice.” To recap: Mr. Williams was living on the streets only a few weeks ago, a man with a history of drug and alcohol abuse—and a voice made for radio.
Standing at a highway exit, he got recorded by a local news reporter and that video clip went viral. The next thing you know, Ted Williams has several job offers, gets a makeover and is all over the news.
Unfortunately, the most recent news coming from this story is that Mr. Williams has not been clean for two years as he claimed, and has actually been drinking. Enter Dr. Phil, who has been in talks with the newly-hired radio announcer.
Can this story get any more inspiring? Can it get any weirder?
I’m sad to admit that my initial reaction to this man’s story was equal parts hope and reality check. I want him to do well, I really do. But I also don’t think you can swoop in, clean someone up and expect happily ever after, not without dealing with all the issues that got him where he is in the first place.
It seems funny to say (and makes me sound like I’m on the cutting edge of pop-culture, which I’m not) but wouldn’t it be great if a few days spent with Dr. Phil end up being just the ticket? What if this story has a happily-ever-after—that America’s favorite therapist can help Ted Williams keep his life on track, that a few hours of talk therapy can help him embrace the incredible gift he has been given and help him move forward from here?
I sure hope so—even though I’m not terribly optimistic.
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