MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WTVF) — Going to the supermarket or going to the doctor’s appointment is a daily routine for many people.
But for people with limited mobility, getting from point A to point B can be difficult. Life hasn’t always been so peaceful for Bobby Beard.
“I was a cook in the Air Force for four years,” Beard said.
Mr. Beard continued his service to our country by providing food throughout Middle Tennessee.
“I’ve been cooking for about 30 years… working at Nascar Café, the club at Vanderbilt University,” Beard said.
Six years ago, he suffered a stroke that left him paralyzed on one side and forced him to use a wheelchair.
After that, he entered a nursing home and is currently living in a single-family residential facility.
He is feeling better and still has a lot of places he wants to go.
“I decided I wasn’t going to let this get me down,” Beard said.
His wheelchair won’t fit in his caregiver’s car, so he relies on a van service that must be booked several days in advance.
Beard said even if you book early, your ride may end up being canceled.
“I had an appointment last week, but my ride didn’t show up so I missed it. I have a very important appointment this week. I had heart surgery on Thursday,” Beard said.
Beard dreams of owning his own van one day.
His caregiver, Susan Allen, would drive him on life-saving appointments and life-enhancing trips that many would consider mundane.
“He said I hadn’t been to the supermarket in a long time,” Beard said.
If you have a chair lift and brackets to secure him, it’s an expensive dream.
“It’s probably $20,000 used, $15,000 to $20,000,” Beard said.
But that’s a wish the veteran holds on to.
“I know the good Lord has more in store for me,” Beard said.
If you would like to contact Bobby Beard, click here or email BobbyBeard470@gmail.com.
Want more information about this story? Email robb.coles@newschannel5.com.
A road trip to see the best Halloween decorations in your neighborhood
There are only a few days left until Halloween. This year, Americans are expected to spend about $12 billion on candy, costumes, and decorations. Over the past few years, it seems like more and more people are going all out when it comes to decorating their homes. Forrest Sanders had a chance to visit several communities in the mid-state to check out some Halloween decorations.
-Lelan Statham
