VIDALIA — Travis Todd is counting his blessings these days.

The 32-year-old who has worked for Vidalia as an electrical lineman for nearly 10 years has been recovering for the last two months after receiving two electrical shocks when he touched a live wire while locating lines for the city’s new municipal complex July 2.

Todd was airlifted to Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon, where he spent a month at the burn center. Todd suffered second- and third-degree burns on 35 percent of his body and received several skin grafts.

Although Todd acknowledges his recovery has been an ordeal, he is quick to say he could not be more thankful.

“I’m blessed,” he said. “I never would have dreamed someone could come back so fast from this.”

If things go as planned, Todd said he could be back at work by the first of the year.

In the meantime, Todd cannot go out in the sun or heat until his burns have healed.

But that won’t stop him from making a short appearance at a benefit softball tournament his friends have planned for him Saturday in Vidalia.

Todd’s friend and co-worker Eric Warren helped organize the tournament to help Todd, his wife, Tracy, and their family with bills until Todd can get back on his feet.

“I was standing right there beside him when it happened,” Warren said. “For him to go through that and to come out of it with God’s help, we just felt like we needed to do something.”

Todd said he is overwhelmed by the generosity of his friends and community.

“I’ve never had anyone do anything like this for me before, I don’t know how to explain it,” he said.

“I’m just happy to be here,” Todd said. “Eric, he was right there beside me; he’s the one who ran and got me help. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”

The slow-pitch softball tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Vidalia softball field. All proceeds will go to Todd and his family.

Teams can be made up of six male players and four female players or seven males and five females 13 years and older. Registration is $130 per team.

Team sponsors are welcome, and concessions will be available.

Anyone wishing to register or sponsor a team should call Warren at 601-334-1413.

A bank account to benefit Todd was set up at Concordia Bank in July, and funds can be donated at any of the Concordia Bank locations by mentioning Todd’s name.