Window Cleaner Recovers in Tennessee

Bradford Now Blesses Others from a Hospital Bed - NASHVILLE, TN - Charles Bradford, smiling and encouraging others from his hospital bed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, has a long road to recovery ahead of him. But you'd never know that when walking into his hospital room. With both legs healing from multiple breaks, one arm healing from serious fractures, head injuries and lots of other challenges - you'd never know his life was filled with pain and hurdles most people never experience in a lifetime.

Those of us who know him are not really surprised. He gives all the credit to God for surviving a serious fall from a second floor downtown building. He was doing his job - washing windows. That's how most folks in downtown Paducah know Charles - the downtown window washer with a heart for God. He jokingly said, "I'm just thankful I'm not a worm hotel. Even though I am packed and ready to check out, I am thankful to be alive. Lots more to do on earth. Lots more people to share the truth of God's love with and that's what I plan to do. You know I'm helpless - just totally helpless. It's all by the grace of God that I'm here. I know that."

Sharing that love is just what he is doing, too. When we asked where to find Charles Bradford, the nurses smiled and pointed to his room. You could tell they already recognize what a special patient he is. He had just been moved to a different wing of Vanderbilt Medical Center following his fifth surgery on Wednesday. Each time we'd been to visit, he'd been asleep, but not this time. He immediately invited us to sit down and chat. We assured him we'd only stay a few minutes and he quickly said, "Sit down here and talk - stay for a couple of hours, so glad you're here." That's Charles.

Bradford praised an EMT named Rachel who was with him immediately after his fall. "I didn't lose consciousness," he said. "She rode with me in the ambulance and encouraged me and explained where we were going and what was happening and was just wonderful. I want her to know how much she helped me get through that shocking time after the fall. I remember how kind she was and I appreciated her help and want to thank her."

* When we asked him what we in Paducah could do for him, he said of course pray for me and for my wife (who is in Paducah). We persisted and finally found out that he needs minutes for his Verizon phone. That's how he stays in touch with family and friends at home. He's basically in the hospital for several more weeks and then to a nursing home at the VA in Marion, IL until he is able to come home. It's going to take time, like months, but he is hoping to surprise his doctors and be home sooner as opposed to later.

If you'd like to help Charles, do pray for him and his wife, and you could also send him a Verizon phone card (mailing address below). Wouldn't it be fun for him to start getting phone cards in the mail - day after day . . . or make a donation to an account that has been set up in his name at any location of Paducah Bank. Different businesses and individuals are helping raise funds for this beloved downtown Paducah gentleman so be on the lookout for those opportunities to help.

Charles Bradford
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Orthopedics Room # 6448
Medical Center North
1161 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37232-2165


*Following the online publication of this story, we received an email from LauraK. She works with CellPage and now Charles will be keeping in touch with his family and friends...thanks to people who care. Read this:

CellPage (authorized Verizon rep) is a client of Charles' and will be donating a new prepaid phone to him. The phone has video capability and we encourage everyone to come by CellPage in Lone Oak during business hours now through Saturday, May 8 and record a short message with your well wishes to Charles! Minutes for his phone may also be purchased during this time at a discounted rate of $15 cards for $10.

CellPage's Paducah location is at 2809 Lone Oak Road beside Paducah Bank. Hours are M-F 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am -2pm.