Meet David

01/27/09

David Bradley ... my story

David says Hi! Check out his video messages to us all!

Fifteen years ago Mary Jane Bradley received a phone call that would change her life forever. The young man explained how he and his girlfriend were expecting a baby. Mike and Mary Jane Bradley did not personally know this young man or his girlfriend. He was nervous, confused, and had questions about adoption in general, and wanted someone to talk to. One of the Bradley children's friend's parent had a co-worker familiar with the situation, knew the Bradley's had adopted and fostered several children throughout the years, and gave the young couple the Bradley's number.

This young man was desperately trying to do the right thing. Mary Jane did not realize how close to giving birth the young mother was. Not able to have children herself, Mary Jane had always told God her heart was open to any children he would bring her, but neither her nor the young man knew how their paths would connect. He was simply looking for some direction. She was simply trying to help. The next day, another phone call came. As the young man spoke to Mary Jane, the call ended abruptly without her understanding why. The young man rushed his girlfriend to the hospital where she delivered a beautiful baby boy. The next day Mary Jane received one more call, "S. delivered a baby boy yesterday. She and I would like you and Mr. Bradley to take our baby." The next day, the Bradley’s returned home with their new son! One could hardly believe such a blessing had come to the Bradley’s and the infant boy they named David.

The following six months would prove to test the Bradley’s like never before. David would cry in excruciating pain day and night. When other children were lifting their heads and beginning to crawl, David could not. The doctors discovered that their son had a very rare form of Cerebral Palsy. David would never have the ability to communicate, walk or live a normal life. Devastated, Mary Jane cried out to the Father again. “Father, please just give me his mind!” One can only imagine how devastating this must have been. In addition to caring for David’s daily needs, the Bradley’s continue to homeschool David, focusing on what he can do and not on what he can’t do. Mike and Mary Jane are the most giving people I have ever met. Their lives have been one of sacrifice and they will tell you today how very thankful they are for their son and hero, David.

Today David can communicate through his computer. David accesses the computer by using an infrared device attached to the top of the computer. It reads a metallic dot placed on his forehead. By head movements and a software program that allows him to click, click and drag, etc. he is able to operate the mouse. Mary Jane, Mike and their other two children are his voice, arms and legs, but David loves his life with the exception of the pain he suffers daily. The most difficult time for David and his family is evening. When others are resting for the next day, they are up helping David turn helping turn David many, many times a night. Recently David has suffered with tremendous pain especially in the evening hours, and is barely able to sleep at all. Cerebral Palsy may continue to attack his body, but not his spirit! Due to this pain, David is unable to be moved easily. Not having a wheelchair accessible van has stopped David from leaving his home. During the past fifteen years, Mike and Mary Jane have lifted David everywhere. Due to his size and recent battles with pain, a wheelchair accessible van is desperately needed to help this family.

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This site was last updated 01/27/09