O. Henry’s Short Story, ‘To Him Who Waits’

The famed 19th-century writer invites readers to grab that precious opportunity or it may never come again.

“The Hermit,” 1889, by Mikhail Nesterov. The Hermit of the Hudson receives a visit from a lady. Public Domain

In most cases, patience is a virtue and good things come to those who wait. Yet there are times when we shouldn’t wait, for that special opportunity may never come again.

In his short story, “To Him Who Waits“ (1909), O. Henry (1862–1910) follows the Hermit of the Hudson, who is given a second chance at love. Through the hermit’s story, Henry shows that when great opportunities arise in our life, we must be willing to act immediately.

The Hermit of the Hudson

The 40-year-old Hermit of the Hudson has lived alone for 10 years. He makes his solitary home in a cave in the Catskills. He has long hair, a long, forked beard, and simple clothes made of sewn gunnysacks.