A 97-year-old Phoenix grandpa is getting some company as he greets drivers passing through his Phoenix neighborhood.
Charley Bedel sits outside of his home every day and holds a sign that says, “Jesus Loves You.” All day long, people drive by, honking their hellos. Charley is blind. By now, most folks know that if they wave, he can’t see them, so they make sure to give a friendly honk.
His granddaughter posted her grandpa’s story on NextDoor, and now his neighbors know he’s counting each and every honk. Ruby Byrd said “He loves to be out here and spread joy, and I wanted to let the people know he’s not able to see very well.”
Now, others have started to join Charley at his post. Neighbor Jan Jacobs is one of those who comes out to keep him company as he greets drivers. She said, “We love Charley and we love what he’s doing,” “So we wanted to come keep him company.”
On one side of Charley’s sign, it says “Jesus Loves You,” and the other explains that he is blind and partially deaf. Ruby said her grandpa decided a couple of years ago that he wanted to start his own little ministry. “He just wanted to spread awareness and joy, and so that was his only intent and just to let people know in times of uncertainty, Jesus loves you.”
Only the weather will keep him inside. “If it’s cold, he stays in.”
Charley started coming out more frequently last fall after his wife died, and COVID-19 prevented him from visiting with friends. Now, it’s a regular activity.