John: The Homeless Man
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
Banks, Oregon
April 5, 2017 4:58pm CST
I think seeing John Wedell, and knowing his story and seeing how he has survived being homeless on the streets of a local town here in Oregon for so many years, i have started to understand that being homeless wasn't his choice but was a mixture of many things that happened in his life not going right, and also some inherent problems he may have that are going undiagnosed.
Reading this article which i am sharing the link to you will learn that John Wedell was a very well educated man, who at one time seemed destined to have a job as an educator.
What may be most sad is the fact that some in the community are more close and welcoming of him then some of his family, even greater is the fact he does not seem to have any ill thoughts of him.
Hearing how he wears his helmet at protection from thugs is what was really sad for me to read as he has been attacked in his sleep and this is a way he can stay protected atleast partially.
For a personal side to this story i am sharing about John, i have seen him in our local library and seen how polite and well versed he is despite looking a certain way, i have seen him entertain children and elderly with wild stories.
I have also seen the greatness of our own community as he would come into mcdonalds and he was welcomed with open arms, someone would buy him a meal and hot cup of coffee, this man to me has been through so much, and although many may look down on him for being homeless and dirty, i look up to him for being brave, and strong in a world full of pain and hopelessness, this man could have ended his life because of heartbreak, and seeing how he could not get out of this funk but he kept on.
John Weddell is the most popular citzen in Forest Grove everyone knows his name, and most are not afraid to say hi.
By Stephanie Haugen, The Portland Tribune, July 21, 2013 "How fast can you really turn your life around to be the way you want it to be? "I can completely change my life in three years. Three hundred and sixty is the number of angles in a circle and close
15 people like this
12 responses
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
5 Apr 17
That is so great f Mike, i bet he hears alot of fascinating stories while helping them, you should ask him to share some of th stories with you i have heard from from people whom know John better and it's amazing what he has lived through.
2 people like this
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
5 Apr 17
@chrissbergstrom you know never ask him.the only story i hear is the hardship on these guys or gals
He takes them to the laundry,chores those who need it.They are going to expand the shelter here soon.This is good news.
Then he tells me a lot of them do not want to work.This must be tough to handle something like this.
There are plenty jobs to do.Not sure if they are lazy or what.Very hard to figured these people out.
I told him that that the club will hire part time for cleaning.He mentioned this and no response.
Maybe they want to be homeless?do not know.But glad to hear that he is working with the veterans there.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
@amadeo There is always a reason and sometimes we never find out why
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
6 Apr 17
I used to work in a homeless shelter. While a few do, most don't choose nor want that lifestyle. Sad that people think they all choose it due to laziness and such.
2 people like this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
Yes they are really hardly judged and it is unfair
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223021)
• Chile
5 Apr 17
Thank you for the story. It is John Weddell´s story, but there are so many Weddells in the world.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223021)
• Chile
6 Apr 17
@chrissbergstrom It is awesome. And by the face of the man, you can see that he is an interesting man.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
The aticle is really great i put a link in it's a local oregon newspaper.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61120)
• Centralia, Washington
5 Apr 17
I love the photo. It takes just a little change of fortune and there you go: no home to claim. I really am in a mess with my adopted sister. The social worker told her point blank: after you get out of rehab from almost dying its the women's shelter or the YWCA for you. I just can not allow an almost 72 year old woman to endure such an atrocity. So she'll come live with us after she gets stronger.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (61120)
• Centralia, Washington
6 Apr 17
@chrissbergstrom Thanks Chris. The man in your photo reminds me of Robin Williams. I just would not be able to sleep at night if my buddy had to endure going to a shelter.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
5 Apr 17
That shows what a great person you are Lenore, those truly caring and giving will do what they can t help those in need and help them get on there feet again, especially are elderly it is so important i do not even know John's age but he has to be in his late 70's i think.
1 person likes this
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
6 Apr 17
A very interesting guy @chrissbergstrom . With all his capabilities, I wonder what is truly holding him back.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
I think although he is very intelligent he does have alot of mental problems now
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
There is alot of homeless everywhere
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Apr 17
What bugs me is all the people who cut down and make fun of homeless people. Many of them might have had great jobs aND homes at one time. I sometimes wish those who are the worst when it comes to name calling etc could trade places for at least a week and maybe understand where these people are coming from.
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
I agree the thing is anything could have happened that made someone homeless there have been many who made it out but some can't life has hit them to hard they are stuck I chose to treat others with respect no matter there circumstance they are not hurting anyone
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
7 Apr 17
It is very sad especially the elderly
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
Yes it really is I think it would be great to interview him.
1 person likes this
@LindaCPearson (2240)
• United States
6 Apr 17
John's story is a good reminder that there is often much hidden behind a face and it is never wise to judge without knowing what that is.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
6 Apr 17
He sounds like a special person indeed, but too bad he ended up on the streets. I think you're right - it would seem that people in hard situations - didn't end there for any one big reason, but a culmination...
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
6 Apr 17
Yes it is multiple reasons for sure
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
5 Apr 17
He does go to the local church during extreme heat and extreme cold but for the most part he refuses lodging and just camps out.....
2 people like this
