Ted Williams… You Go Boy!

I’d be remiss if I didn’t weigh in on the phenomenon that is Ted Williams. For nearly a week, every news outlet has covered his story; a down and out homeless former drug addict and felon with a golden voice. I’ll admit at first I was somewhat annoyed that more newsworthy items were shelved to showcase this story. But, such is the case on any given day on any given network. I was mesmerized by Ted’s candidness and willingness to open himself up to us judgmental, jaded folks on the other side of the camera. The more I watched, the more I felt a vested interest in this human being with very real human failings and flaws. I couldn’t help but think “no man is an island unto himself.”

Four days ago, Ted Williams was pan handling near a Lowes in Columbus Ohio and living in a tent, presumably nearby. From the story he tells, he’s a professional broadcaster who went from functional alcoholic to straight up crack addict. To support his habit, he tuned to forgery and petty theft. While the Jimmy Fallon’s and the morning shows on the airwaves focus on what is being spun as a rags to riches story, I can’t help but wonder if Mr. Williams has any support available to him should he feel compelled to use again. In initial interviews, he hadn’t spoken of an NA or AA sponsor. The offers are flying in left and right and without the proper support, it is very possible Ted could fall into old habits. But, he seems to have a plan. In a second interview with the Today Show’s Meredith Viera this morning, he alluded to an offer of support by a Today contributing psychologist. He also explained that he too worries that all of the offers and attention may trigger old habits. He’s chosen to accept one main offer and take others as he feels comfortable. That is a good start. It’s a smart start.

It looks like the sky’s the limit for Ted Williams, officially the spokes voice for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, a potential sweet gig with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and so many other offers are flooding in everyday. I was compelled to pray for his safety and health this morning. I’ve never been an addict of any sort and I don’t know what it is like to be without a roof over my head (although there were times when the very real treat existed) but,  I do know is that although we have our issues and those seems so much larger than anything anyone else could possibly be enduring, taking the time to acknowledge the people I pass or performing a simple random act of kindness helps me maintain man's  “humanity” to man. After all, but for the grace of god, there go I.

Peace