A Most Unlikely Father And Son

A Stranger Armed With Only A Paintbrush Drew A Young Man Out Of The Projects And Into His Life

(CBS)  This is the story of a most unlikely relationship between Bob Hansman, a 59-year-old architecture professor from Washington University in St. Louis, and a 26-year-old former gang member from the projects named Jovan.

"He's the reason I have my life," Jovan tells CBS correspondent Steve Hartman for "Assignment America."

Jovan and Professor Bob met 13 years ago. Bob had volunteered to start a summer drawing class for at-risk children. Jovan was one of the brats who showed up.

"We put Bob through hell, twice," he said. "Constant fighting — not just arguing; I mean physical fist-fighting.”

"I used to sit there with my face in my hands saying, 'Why don't they quit coming? Because I didn't want to quit," remembers Bob.

Some of the kids ended up learning, most ended up in jail — and Jovan ended up in a frame on Bob's desk. It's there because, like most dads, Bob likes looking at pictures of his son.

"He just kind of came out of the blue and said, 'Have you ever thought of adopting me?'" says Bob.

Jovan lived with his mom, but she was pretty much absent. He never even knew his dad. Bob had no family to speak of, either.

"Once I got to know him and care about him and see what he needed and wanted in life, and that I could do it, that's what I wanted to do," Bob says. "It was like, this is going to be a better life than anything I've had."

They now live in an apartment near Jovan's studio. Yes — he now has a studio where he sells art and does commissions. He's really turned into quite an impressive young man.

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Eye To Eye: An Artist's Vision

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Although Bob had nothing to do with bringing him into this world, Jovan says he's had everything to do with keeping him here.

"I wanted to do something for him," says Jovan. "He saved my life, changed my life, gave me a father and gave me the talent I have. So, I'm like, how could you repay somebody like that?"

He decided one way — and one way only.

Remember that summer art program in the projects? It's back. Jovan started it up again this year. He's hoping that by returning to his old neighborhood, he'll find at least one kid like he was — someone who could really use a father figure.

And what if one of them comes up and says, "Will you adopt me?"

With a laugh, Jovan says, "I'll let Bob do it. I'll let Bob do it."

Jovan took Bob's last name and now celebrates his birthday on the day he was adopted.

[kailumego1]

A lost of words....

A lost of words....

Love to read more stories like this..

[bishopnaijel]

Bob is a phenomenal,caring, compassionate,loving, and driven man. All the world should take his story into account. One man and a childs dream. Two different backgrounds and yet a bond like no other was formed. If all the world were to set their differences aside and embrace life, love life, then world peace could be well on it's way. What a wonderful man. And for his SON to carry on his father's legacy, talent, and compassion for other human beings. Kudos to both.

[itrout-2009]

These two great men have proved that love has no boundaries and that it needs to be passed on. Bravo to Jovan and Bob for caring enough about each other and mankind to do something about it. I for one want to find out how to send some money to Jovan to keep his program going. We all should. He is the kind of man I want my son to be. God bless them both.

[rashid821]

it's amazing how love transcends! i hope bob could adopt gw bush and teach him the art of compassion. surely, the world will be at peace!

[mtredhawk200]

"Somebody" should do something....Bob is most definitely Somebody! Bravo! One mentor can change a kid's life forever.