A Life on the Road. A New Chapter in Austin.

Wilson spent years behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, crisscrossing the country as a long-haul truck driver. It was demanding work—physically, mentally, emotionally—but he did it with quiet strength, providing for his family and pushing through every mile.

About a year ago, he stepped off the road and into Austin, looking for a new start.

It hasn’t been easy.

“There’s no manual for starting over,” he told us. But Wilson isn’t one to complain. He focuses on what matters: rebuilding piece by piece—and staying strong for his son.

His son, now 18, recently graduated with honors. It’s one of the things Wilson is most proud of. You can hear it in his voice when he talks about him—equal parts joy and hope.

Though life in Austin hasn’t come with guarantees, Wilson shows up each day with determination and grace. His story reminds us that even those who’ve worked their entire lives can still find themselves on unstable ground—and that compassion shouldn’t come with conditions.

At projectUmbrella, we believe stories like Wilson’s deserve to be heard, honored, and supported.