Family finds the silver lining after tragedy

(ABC 6 News) – Fifty years ago Sunday, Bob Bardwell was in a construction accident that left him paralyzed.

Both Bardwell and his family celebrate the day every year with the good that it has brought to their lives and to honor the day, his family hosted a surprise party.

Now not many people would celebrate the day of such a tragic injury, but Bardwell likes it that way. Since then, he used his background in ministry to build Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch. People from miles away came to celebrate Bardwell and all the work he has done since then.

“I come in here and there’s 60-70 people celebrating, clapping and cheering, and I look around and the distance some of them have driven to get here and some of them have been involved here for 40 years in the room right now. All these years they have been involved. If that isn’t miracles happen and bring a lot of joy, there ain’t nothing out there to do it,” said Bardwell.

Bardwell says the accident really challenged his faith. He says he just had to trust Gods plan and is very happy with how everything has turned out. His four daughters helped organize the party Sunday.

“Yeah, we just thought why not make it a celebration. It’s been a celebration every year, so this year why anything different. We invited most of his close friends. So yeah, just happy to honor him today,” said Hannah Christenson, his oldest daughter.

The party even came with a performance from his daughters who used to sing with Bardwell when they were little. For more information about the Ironwood Spring Christian Ranch (Click Here)