Woman Finds 'Best All Around Boy' From Childhood To Help Him Out Of Homelessness After 20 Years

Jun 20, 2023 by apost team

In a heartwarming display of compassion and friendship, a group of former classmates from Austin in Texas stumbled upon an unexpected reunion that would change their lives forever. Their heartwarming journey of rediscovering friendship, offering second chances, and restoring dignity to a homeless man is a testament to the profound impact of compassion and the transformative power of human connection.

One rainy day in 2019, Leea Mechling, the Executive Director of the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture, flipped through the pages of the Austin American-Statesman, and her eyes froze on an arresting image. It was Coy Featherston, a man she had once known, pushing an overloaded shopping cart down Guadalupe Street. The news story was about the state of homelessness in their area, and he was the face of the issue.  

The stark contrast between the present-day Featherson and the vibrant, outgoing high school student she knew, who was named their school's "Best All Around Boy," stirred a deep ache within Mechling's heart. Driven by an overwhelming desire to help him, Mechling embarked on a tireless search through the rain-soaked streets of Austin. 

Hours turned into days, but her determination remained unwavering. Finally, outside St. Austin Catholic Parish, she found her high school classmate who was feeding stale bagels to pigeons. At that moment, time dissolved, and the years between them evaporated as Mechling greeted Featherson with a simple, heartfelt, “Hi, Coy!”

According to KVUE, Featherson went to the University of Texas after high school in 1970 and then quit to work as an equipment man for the musical tours of Frank Zappa. He then went on to work as a lighting director but met some setbacks in the late 1980s that pushed him toward homelessness. He had been without any permanent address for over two decades. 

Mechling said in an interview with CBS Evening News that she would not have taken a second look in the newspaper where Featherson's photo was published, if not for the caption. Determined to offer more than temporary respite, Mechling invited Coy into her home. Word spread like wildfire among their high school friends, and an extraordinary transformation began to unfold.

Within days, a spare bedroom was lovingly prepared. The friends rallied together, creating a GoFundMe page that quickly surpassed all expectations, raising thousands beyond their $2,000 target. Their collective generosity was a testament to the power of a community united in empathy.

As the days turned into weeks, Featherston's life underwent a remarkable metamorphosis. He was no longer just a homeless man; he was surrounded by a support network dedicated to his well-being. Beyond the material gifts of clothes, shoes, and bicycles, his friends tirelessly navigated bureaucratic mazes, ensuring he had access to the resources he needed to rebuild his life.

Through their unwavering support, Featherston regained his sense of self-worth and purpose, and received medical attention, including surgeries. The echoes of his past accomplishments as a talented football player, musician, and traveler reverberated in his soul, reminding him of the rich tapestry of experiences that life had once offered him.

"Maintain connection with good friends because you're gonna need 'em one day," Featherston said of this journey after he truly got by with a lot of help from his old pals. 

In November 2021, Patrick Judd, one of Featherson's friends who has also been helping him, revealed that he was diagnosed with the onset of Alzheimer’s and had 11 encounters with the police when he wandered away from home. They continue to help him with his needs and safety. 

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The story of Coy Featherston and his friends serves as a powerful reminder that kindness and compassion possess the capacity to restore shattered lives. What can you say about this story? Pass this along to a friend or family member who might need inspiration or motivation.