By John L. Edwards, III
Almost 4 years ago, my younger brother Reginald who lives in Nashville Tennessee lost the use of his legs due to a freak accident. (The date was our wedding anniversary July 12, 2022.)
After playing a round of golf earlier in the day he attended a meeting at his church Lake Providence where he has served as a deacon for several years. Returning home just a little after dark and parking his car, he was heading toward his front door when suddenly he stumbled and began to fall forward. Making an effort to twist his body and not fall directly on his face, Reginald ended up falling on his back. The fall broke his neck which caused damage to his spinal cord. Laying helplessly on his back, he tried as much as he could to call for help. After what seemed like forever, his wife Deborah heard faint sounds from outside, went to investigate, and found him outside on the ground. She called an ambulance that transported him to Vanderbilt Hospital.
We received the call from Debra who told us what had happened and that Reginald wanted to see his brothers. My wife Faith and I headed to Nashville the following morning praying and hoping for the best, however the prognosis was he would never walk again. Our brother Valitus and wife Dorothy came up the next day to join us and Reginald’s devoted family, Debra, and sons Reggie II and Hollis. Because only two could be in the room with him, we took turns sitting, talking, laughing, and praying with Reginald.
I wish I could tell you that Reginald is walking today. I wish I could tell you Reginald is playing golf again. A game I taught him to play that he ended up playing better than me. Our family is proud to tell you, that even in that hospital bed when he could not even move his head, he spoke encouragement as a man standing tall in his faith in GOD. His words of faith blessed everyone in his presence. He asked GOD to let him live to be with his family and submitted his outcome to GOD’s will.
Today, from his wheelchair, he continues to be an inspiration! He is active as a deacon in his church, singing in the choir, and active in the community, attending his high school reunions, concerts, social club events and even a party or two or three.
His village of family and friends witnessed his progression and have been encouraged by his tenacity and dedication in all that he does, even at painful but necessary therapy sessions, his service in the church, and preparing his special punch for family and holiday dinners. For all who have been a part of his story and journey, we know his amazing wife Debra is constantly by his side, pushing him, encouraging him and loving him. Believe me, Reginald has made progress that some thought impossible. He serves a GOD that makes anything possible and even in his wheelchair with his faith, he stands Tall! And, what else I can tell you is that with the assistance of a walker, REGINALD IS WALKING in February 2026.