His Name Is Bob Blog

Re: About Bob the documenting story of Robert Thomas Crawford in Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate. It was so uplifting to read the article on Bob. I feel now more than ever honored and grateful for the moments we shared. May my gratitude rekindle inspiration gone dim for those who have had the privilage to know him or just crossed his path. 

I use to work in an office with 10 other people at Mockingbird Central Plaza. Bob the Vagabond use to come and visit us what seemed to be on a daily bases. Most of my co-workers and I were usually tolerant of him. Just a couple of people in our office who weren’t; I think mainly because of his smell. They were upset that we showed him any kindness at all. And that we indulged him by giving him food, drinks, and listening to his stories.

After reading his story I realize that those who really knew Bob or spent time with him was really time well spent and not in vain. He probably did more good for us than we ever did for him; you just had to love him. No matter his circumstance in life he was always cheerful. As I think back I believe he was a blessing in disguise and not a curse as he was to some. Somewhere I read, “Sometimes the cure arrives before the curse, but blinded as we mere mortals often tend to be, we fail to recognize one for what they truly are.” People like Bob are a low blow to society in the eyes of some. Heaven forbid if we should make an effort toward being nice to someone who is different from us. 

Reading Bob’s story brought tears of joy and remorse streaming down my face. Made me wish I had been even more accommodating, tolerant, and kind to him when I had the chance. When I had the time I would let him sit at my desk and just listen to his stories. Rich or poor I think what most of us want is just someone who will listen. Often he would ask me for a ride home but I always came up with an excuse why I couldn’t. But the real reason was because of his smell.  So glad he is getting his day in the sun and some glory by telling his true life story. Can’t wait till Lisa Johnson, Heather and Sebastian Lee, ( angels in human form ), bring his story to the big screen. I’ll definitely be seeing the film and checking out the web-site hisnameisbob.com.

So sorry I didn’t give Vagabond Bob a ride home the times he asked. Would of, could of, should of in hindsight. No doubt this film “His Name Is Bob” will be a lesson for all of us in tolerance toward the less fortunate. Knowing Bob I am sure it will be funny, inspiring, heartbreaking, deeply disturbing as the producers hope it will be and it should be. I believe Bob’s main purpose on earth may be to help those of us who are more fortunate gain humility and allow us  the opportunity in showing loving kindness towards others like him. His life story should remind us we can’t judge another unless we’ve walked a mile or two in their shoes. Also, hopefully bring out the best of people and understanding the true meaning of the saying, “Tis better to give than receive”. The more we give the more we are blessed. Those seeking help from us may very well be the source of our salvation.

The following is taken out of context from Isaiah 53. It’s about another survivor others have come to know and love that fits Bob’s description somewhat. ”He was considered stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” I think Bob is blessed by God and under His protected wings of angels. Could be his purpose here is to share his life story and be a blessing to others. I am thankful and twice blessed to have made his acquantance. Just wish I’d taken more time, gotten to know him better, and been a better friend. 

Gail Blessing

Name is Sandy. Older, blonde lady. Used to work at Whole Earth, give you rides to your meetings and listen to you play. Was astonished when one day on our way to your meeting, you recited all the traditions, steps, etc. of the AA creed. It made me realize how hard you had to work, more than most people, to have regain your sobriety. I was very impressed.

Recently we had a new post to this topic see below:

1. Jay Says:
   October 20th, 2007 at 2:30 pm Bob asked me for a ride one time in front of Premiere video. I said no with a lame excuse. I asked inside about the short, keyboard holding man. Sam told me that Bob was a very nice man that would not hurt a fly. I had changed my mine but when I looked he was gone.Two weeks later I saw Bob again in front of the video store. I asked him if he needed a ride and of course he said yes. The ride I had with Bob was memorable. Everything I have read about Bob on this site seems so accurate in what I experienced in 15 minutes.

   In my everyday hustle and bustle, I forget that there are truly outstanding people out there with hearts of gold that I just don’t let in. It made me feel good that I could give Bob a ride. It made me feel better that I was fortunate to meet a person with a heart of gold.

Although I don’t think anyone really thinks that Bob is G-O-D.  It certainly has been fun thinking and talking about it.  The other day I had a mental discovery.  I saw a room full of people in the same way Bob does.  I’m like most, I think, as I inter a large room full of people, like a restaurant, I sit somewhat quietly and keep to myself.  Most social educate that I have learned in my life says “Don’t bother the people then they are eating” or “Just because we are in the same room doesn’t mean I want to talk to you.” 

 Bob simply see a room full of people as an opportunity to talk to as many people as he can in the smallest amount of space.  Like a politician or a profit, aka salesman.

  What is Bob selling; Jokes, Smiles, Love, Hey can I have a buck? Ok he’s not perfect but does the hat not go around in the church and the caucus? 

Every funny. I got a call today from the Dallas Film Commission office asking for help! They said “I’m not sure what to do with this information so I’m calling you” They had Googled use and got my number, apparently Bob was causing such a ruckus at the State Fair that someone from the PR Dept of the Stair Fair grounds called the Dallas Film Commission asking about a supposed showing of “His Name Is Bob” at the State Fair.“My film is supposed to be showing here at the fair and I can’t find it, can you help me find it.”

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for posting this story.

I worked for one of the organizations, the Area Agency in Region III, Lakes Region Community Services Council Laconia, NH, that was formed to support people after the State School was closed. I worked to provide support to many of the individuals who lived there; sadly, Bob’s story is very familiar to me. This is a story that can not be told enough.

Thank you and all the best,
Bob M.

I was just told by Bob the other day about this website. I love what you are doing. Bob has been my friend for the 2 years I have worked at Whole Earth. The pastel painting, at the top of your page, I wanted to add was done by me.

Josh Strey
strey_josh@yahoo.com

My wife and I met Bob at a concert in Deep Ellum recently and gave him a ride home. We enjoyed gettting to know him and would like to help out in any way he may need. Are his basic needs met, by work or by social services? Do you have any suggestions on how/where we may be able to assist him?
Thank you,
Ron W.

Hi! My name is Michelle and I’ve watched Bob walk up and down Mockingbird for the last few years. I especially loved his 4th of July get-up as he paraded around with his collection of American flags. I’ve always wondered about him. Where he came from, what his story is. I was at Jason’s Deli last night with my family and Bob was there passing out his cards. He introduced himself to my 16 month-old son Harrison. Someone was there with him and I wanted to ask about Bob, but I didn’t want to seem nosy or intrusive. So as soon as we got home, I checked out the website and watched the film. What an amazing story! If there’s anything I can do for Bob, please let me know. How’s the fundng for the film coming? Has anyone thought of a sponsored run (like through Run-On) for Bob and the film? I think there have to be so many people like me. People who have seen him walk up and down Mockingbird for years but have never taken the time to stop and meet him. I’m sure if people just had the chance to meet him and see his story, they would want to help. Thanks for putting a clip of the film on-line. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help even if it’s with everyday things like food or clothing for Bob or helping to raise $ for the film. His story and his easy, loving manner with my little guy really touched me.
Thanks!
Michelle

Hello…my name is Kim Blake. I am a member and volunteer bartender at The Sons of Hermann Hall (corner of Elm/Exposition). Bob is one of our “regulars” at many of the concerts. He does not care too much for the sit down type concerts. He’d much rather be at one of the dancing/singing/rocking ones. He likes to dance and pretend to play his keyboard like he’s one of the band members. He’s a great guy….sweet….and flirts with us women. We have come to love him. He also hangs out at the All Good Cafe. We would love it if your movie has some pics of him at The Sons during a concert.

I believe Bob tells the truth. When I first met him, he told me tales of life in New Hampshire; how he had an uncle who murdered his aunt in an alcoholic blackout; how a sizeable inheritance was stolen from him; and how those who are supposed to love him most first abused him and then left him alone to fend for himself. Yeah, right, I’d say to myself. This man wants some attention and is putting together some really good stories to get it. A trip to New Hampshire with Bob in January 2006, however, revealed the truth: every story that Bob had shared with me was real. And he is an incredible example of so many things I admire. A survivor. A man of strong faith. Tolerant. Kind. Forgiving. Happy. Honest. And content with the life he’s been given.