E079-Homeless Friend Hobo Wilson

“Hobo Wilson ... a homeless friend, filled up with purpose.”

I met him on a springtime day and it changed my life forever.

The elderly homeless man just stood there in place, and really sized me up with his eyes as I approached him. I must admit, I had no idea what I was going to do or say but something inside of my heart told me to have this conversation.

I looked deeply into the elderly man's eyes, they were sky blue, watery, determined, and very serious. The elderly man just stared into my eyes, took a deep breath and said, "May I call you Doc?" I replied, "Yes, of course." I then asked him, "What is your name." He said, "Hobo." My reply was, "I just cannot call you Hobo, what is your name?" He replied,"My name is Bob Wilson." I asked, "If you are going to call me Doc, may I call you Wilson?" He shouted, "certainly Doc!"

He was a veteran, and now a homeless man that traveled by train from town to town over decades. Wilson described how he would get on a train, not knowing exactly where it was going, and get off when the feeling struck him to do so. He had been doing this for decades. Although he was a homeless train traveler, Wilson traveled from town to town, in order to help homeless people find a home.

Wilson did not travel with anyone or have any roots whatsoever. He was as free as an eagle in my eyes. For a moment, I fantasized about his lifestyle ... no utility bills, mortgage, dinner to prepare or patients to see. In some sense, he seemed to have a better life than I had.

Next, I took Wilson to the apartment complex that I co-owned with my business partner. Some of these apartments were fully furnished. I told him that he would be living there for free, as long as he wanted to, or for the rest of his life, and that it was his choice. Wilson suddenly burst out crying, and put his head in his hands. He cried so hard, and long, that I thought he must have a puddle of tears in his hands.

It was not long before Wilson gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! He became saved and changed his lifestyle completely.

About six months later, Wilson passed away. It was heart breaking!  We found a piece of paper with a man’s name and phone number. It was Wilson's brother. His brother told us that he had not seen Wilson in decades. Wilson's brother was kind to me, and cried over the loss of his brother.

A few months later, I mailed Wilson's brother two books that I had written. One book was Blue Ridge Moments Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and the second book was a children's book about Hobo Wilson called "Blue Ridge Tenderpups Meet Hobo Wilson Christmas Eve."  Wilson's brother was so happy and could hardly believe that someone had written books about his brother.

Springtime always makes me think of the day I met Wilson and how he changed my life. I truly believe that he helped me so much more than I ever helped him. Wilson is in Heaven now living in a mansion that the Lord prepared for him forever.

John 15:12
My command is this:  Love each other as I have Loved you.

To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com.

Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus," and Volume 2, subtitled, "Celebrating Footsteps of A God Dependent Life,"  and Blue Ridge Tenderpup children's book series may be found at Amazon.com and BlueRidgeMoments.com.