Brad is Gone
It is with great sadness that I must share with you that our friend, Brad, has died.
Tami called a few minutes ago, so say that an infection in Brad’s lungs had lead to arterial bleeding that the doctors could not stop. They thought for a short time that they could get him into the ICU or the operating room in critical condition, but he didn’t make it.
Tami was calm but clearly in a state of shock. I prayed with her over the phone for God’s grace for she and Katie and the rest of the family over the next few days. She asked that I share this sad news and notify a few folks here in Evergreen where Brad, Tami and Katie lived for a few years.
Brad had complete confidence in the fact that when he did die that he would enter into God’s presence for all eternity. That confidence wasn’t based on some false hope that he had done enough good things or gone through just the right religious motions, but instead on his belief and trust in what God had done for him by sending Christ to die to pay the price for sin.
Even when things were not going well, when he was feeling sick as a dog, worried about getting off of the pain meds and half delusional from the ones he was on, Brad never lost faith in God’s deep love for him, Tami and Katie. He would understand our grief at his passing, but would also want us to remember that he wasn’t afraid of dying and, while not wanting to leave us behind, knew that, for him, the best was yet to come.
There is so much more to write and to share about my friend, Brad, but for now, please join me in praying for Tami and Katie. We’re far away, but I know those of you who are close will wrap them up in your love on our behalf.
We’ll post the details on services here as soon as they are available. If you’d like to leave a note of encouragement for Tami and Katie you can do that by posting a comment here.
Mark Carlson (Evergreen, CO)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. I Peter 1:3-5 (ESV)
Thinking and praying for Tami, Katie and family. Also thinking of all the lives Brad touched. Brad, you will be missed.
Comment by Lisa Molinar | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami and Katie, I am so sorry for your loss. Brad was such an inspiration to so many. He fought a hard battle, and has now received ultimate healing. I will be praying for you. Please let me know if we can help you in any way.
Comment by Syndi | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami
I am so sorry for your loss. I count myself as truly blessed for getting to know and work with both of you. I will be praying for you and Katie. Please let me know if I can help you in any way. A part of Brad lives in each student that he touched through out his years as a great teacher. He will be missed.
Comment by Denise Bell | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
What a marvelous gift we enjoyed in Brad! No matter what, he always exuded genuine joy and appreciation for his friends and especially his family. God bless you and comfort you.
Gini
Comment by Gini Draper | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,I am just so very sorry for your loss. My husband passed away last year, and of course I am still in pain, but at least he is not. And that is a great blessing, to picture him in the presence of our Lord and to know he is still with me in spirit. You will be able to feel Brad’s presence and his continueing love for you. May the good Lord bless and keep you, and make his countenance shine upon you, and give you peace. Love and prayers…
Comment by Jeanie Willbanks Bowden | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
As expressed by others, I am so truly sorry for your loss. Although it was a struggle for Brad through this ordeal, I witnessed through post after post a strong, Godly family enduring one of the greatest challenges any family can go through during our time here on earth. But through it all I have a greater Faith in God. The bible tells us that through many struggles come some of the greatest blessings. Brad has his reward right now. Thanks to how Brad, you and Katie endured all of this disease here on earth, we are left having a Greater Faith in our Creator.
Comment by Benny Powell | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie, It is with huge tears that I send my thoughts and prayers to you! Keith admired Brad for his courageous fight as well as his friendship. He is so glad he came over to visit. We have checked your sight daily to know how to pray for you. My prayer today is that God will wrap his loving arms of comfort and peace around you both and hold you tight. Love and praying for you, Kristin
Comment by Kristin Coleman | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami & Katie,
Even though I have not had the good fortune of ever meeting either of you, I did know your husband and father from many years ago while growing up in Longview. I just wanted you to know how moved I am to have read the couregous fight that all of you have fought regarding Brad’s illness and I know that we serve a loving God who I pray will comfort you during this difficult time. My sincere condolences…
Comment by Robert Hudgens | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
My prayers are with you. Find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Brad. He had such incredible strength and love for the both of you.
Comment by Jeanette Severson | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami & Katie:
I am sorry for your great loss. I am at work and as usual checked the Brad site and could not believe. I felt so optimistic that the cancer could be managed. I feel so much admiration for Brad and all of you. Even during the suffering and so many trips to MD Anderson Brad would relay his trials with such dignity and humor. God will take care of you and help you during this time of loss. Brad is now at peace. You are both in my prayers.
Comment by Dixie King | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie, Please know you are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your lost. Brad touched so many people and was such a fighter. May God wrap his loving arms around you both as you go through this difficult time. Love you both, Suzanne
Comment by Suzanne Philpot | November 6, 2009
I am so sorry for you guys – Even though it’s been years since I saw you all, I can still see Brad’s smile just as big as day. We are praying for you and especially for the days to come. With much love and sadness, James
Comment by James Mauldin | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami & Katie,
Our prayers are with you for comfort during this time. We are so blessed to have shared time with Brad here on earth. It is comforting to know we will see him again. What a testimony his life has been.
Love, Tom & DeeAnn
Comment by DeeAnn Lemmons | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
The Adamson’s and Bailey’s will have you guys in our prayers. The strength Brad has shown us over the years will give me strength for the rest of my days on Earth. Please know we are always here for you.
Love,
Terri
Comment by Anonymous | November 6, 2009
Oh, Tami and Katie,
I’m so shocked and sad at this news and burst into tears the second I read the subject line.
I never met him in person, but felt like I knew the big guy through his blog and emails.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Susan
Comment by Susan C | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
I don’t know either of you personally – I know of you through my mom, Gini – but I’ve been following Brad’s progress from the beginning and was saddened to read the news this morning.
My husband and I are thinking of you, and we are so sorry for your loss.
Comment by Sarah | November 6, 2009
I was so sad to hear about Brad. I will be praying for you all in the difficult days ahead.
Comment by Lauri McGaughey | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
Brad’s faith was strong. He inspired us all. I am sure God is now saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant”. You are in my prayers for the peace that comes with knowing Brad is with God and painfree.
Cara Nanez
Comment by Anonymous | November 6, 2009
Love Yall. I am saddened so much to hear this. I mourn the loss of such a great friend and man. I live not far away, please let me help if I can. Praying, as I was before this, and will continue.
Isaiah 46:4 “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you”
Comment by Michael McGee | November 6, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss Tami and Katie. I don’t know you personally, but began following your blog when a family member of mine came down with the same cancer. I want you both to know how amazingly helpful and encouraging it was to follow all that Brad’s been through. His posts were inspiring to me as well as informative when I had questions regarding the illness and treatment. Your family is in my prayers.
Comment by Pam Rushing | November 6, 2009
Why Brad doesn’t have a ticket to Nolan Ryan’s 7th No Hitter!
Brad always enjoyed a good story and he loved life. He will be missed and we are saddened by his passing. But, we know he is finally at Peace. Tami & Katie – we will continue to lift you up…
OK, why doesn’t Brad have a ticket. First of all, I am the practical, conservative friend. Some call it boring, I call it measured response… enough about me. Way back in May 1991 – Brad calls me (for the young ones out there – these are the days before the internet, twitter or decent cell phones) and says Nolan Ryan is pitching for the Rangers tonight, “Lets go” … No, I tell him as I have to mow the grass.
I start mowing, he calls as I finish the back yard..”its the bottom of the 3rd, Nolan is looking strong, you want to go?” No, I tell him, I still have the front yard to go.
Brad calls again about 10 minutes later, “its the top of the 5th and he is in command. I am going”. Come by and pick me up, I tell him.
If you can remember back that far this is the old stadium, where half of the seats are bleachers in the outfield. Parking wasn’t too bad, you just had to park close to Randoll Mill and walk to I30 (about a 10 mile walk for me – a quarter a mile for Brad).
Now I don’t remember the timing – but Brad lived 30 minutes away from me – and I am 15-20 minutes south of the Arlington ball field. Somehow, we get to the ballpark at the top of the 7th and start walking to the stadium. Remember, I am the conservative one… “Brad, where are we going to sit?” Brad, unfazed, tells me don’t worry about it, and plows on towards the stadium. By the time we get to the gates, they are starting the 8th inning. We make our way to the outfield bleachers. I soon figure out this wasn’t Brad’s first rodeo as NO ONE was sitting. Many of the local residents had already made their way out to the ballpark and were joining those TICKET HOLDERS for the 9th inning.
The atmosphere was electrifying, no one was sitting, everyone was yelling and “hi-”5″ing” each other. We watched in awe the final three outs.
No, Brad & I don’t have a ticket to the game, But – I do have a memory that will last me a lifetime. Thanks Brad, I wouldn’t have gone without you.
Comment by Jeff King | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami and Katie,
I have been praying for a long time it seems that God would heal this cancer. It has been a long and courageous fight for Brad. Now the pain and frustrations are gone. There is a poem called “when tomorrow start without me” that my dad gave me after my mom died. I read that poem often because that is the reality with our human life. There will never be a tomorrow without God though. Only a tomorrow to look forward to with Him! You are both in my prayers in Evergreen!
Nancy (Dixon) Maule
Comment by Nancy Maule | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie –
There are no words…we are praying for you both. Brad will live on in our hearts for ever. We are here for anything you need. I have the poem that Nancy was referring to as well. It is an amazing source of comfort for me as well.
Love you,
Shelley Whatley
Comment by Anonymous | November 6, 2009
I am so very sorry for your great loss. Tami and Katie you are in our prayers and out heart. Brad will be there forever and will never be forgotten.
Comment by Susan Charlton | November 6, 2009
Tami & Katie,
We are saddened by the news. We pray God’s comfort and strength all over you.
Brad was a great example yo all of us. We love you>
Andy & Letty Harvey
Comment by Andy & Letty Harvey | November 6, 2009
Nana Tami & Aunt Katie –
We were so shocked & saddened by the news this morning. Please let us know if we can help in any way. Dude was such a wonderful & caring person and he is going to be missed terribly! Reagan is trying to wrap her mind around everything, but she is happy that Dude is flying with the angels in heaven now!
Love you –
Steven, Mallory, Reagan & Rhyan Roberts
Comment by Steven, Mallory, Reagan & Rhyan Roberts | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
My deepest sympathy to you both. I love you and will continue to pray for your comfort. I have been amazed at how strong and what a great witness of God’s strength Brad has been for so long. Treasure your memories.
Diane Rose (gee)
Comment by Diane Rose | November 6, 2009
Tami & Katie,
Not sure if you remember me, but I had my stem cell transplant the day before Brad. Mike and Shelley Taylor called me this afternoon with the horrible news. Both of you and Brad are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You,
Doug Colbeck
Comment by Doug Colbeck | November 6, 2009
My thoughts are with you guys. Brad was an amazing man and I have followed his blog since it began. My own father is going through the same things right now and it is difficult to handle. Lots of thoughts coming your way…..
Comment by Tiffany C. | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
I am so sad…. you are in my thoughts and prayers…
God bless,
Janis Almand
Comment by Janis Almand | November 6, 2009
Mrs. Williams and Katie – you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that God is with you and let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Love, Nancy, Michael, and Emily.
Comment by Nancy M. *& fam | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie
I am so sad for your loss and pray that God will wrap you in his comfort. You and your family are in my prayers. We will all miss Brad.Love Linda S
Comment by Linda Schorn | November 6, 2009
Katie and family-
You are in my thoughts and prayers and I know that God can lead you in this time of grief. You and your family have been a big inspiration in my mothers fight over cancer as well; Katie you are an inspiration to keep on going. I love you and again, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
“Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie
Comment by Whitney | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
Ironically, I just read Brad’s Nov 3 posting and marveled at his sense of humor knowing how much discomfort he was probably in but the story of him falling and 8 nurses each offering a different way to get him up made me chuckle…especially the thong part. We were all blessed to have known Brad. As a couple, you were a testament of what a strong, healthy Christian marriage is all about. I’m glad he is freed from the physicality that is being human. What a blessing to know that he now has a new body as he’s with the Lord. You and Katie are in our prayers!
Comment by Cheryl Ewing Kiff | November 6, 2009
Tami & Katie-
We are praying for an abundance of peace that only God can give. We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Please let us know what we can do. We love yall- Tim & Lareaa Philpot
Comment by Lareasa | November 6, 2009
Dear Tami and Katie, I have been thinking of all of you everyday during your latest Houston adventure. I’m so very sorry that Brad did not get better….but I am confident that he was at peace with the possibility of this outcome. We are keeping you in our prayers each day. Love you, Kathy
Comment by Kathy Nickason | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
I’m so sorry! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue
Comment by Sue M. | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something I could say to ease your pain. Please know that Brad was a great inspiration to many and especially to me. I have commented to Jeanne many times how I admired Brad’s sense of humor and faith during his fight.
Please do not hesitate to call if there is anything that my family or I can do to help.
Shaylor
Comment by Shaylor Gorrell | November 6, 2009
Our family is praying for yours.
Comment by Jerry and Kyndall Nixon | November 6, 2009
Tami and Katie,
We just learned of Brad’s passing, and extend our heartfelt sympathy to you both. We have such fond memories of your time spent as our neighbors. Is there anyone we can call for you in Rollingwood? Our prayers are with you. Jan and Alan
Comment by Jan Batjer | November 7, 2009
Tami and Katie – We are all so sad and shocked to read this terrible news. We have been and continue to pray all of you. It is our hope that these prayers will bring you some comfort at this difficult time. Please accept our sympathy. Ann and family
Comment by Ann | November 8, 2009
I’m very sorry to hear of Brad’s passing. I grew up down the street from Brad during our school years. My prayers are with the family.
Comment by Richie Spencer | November 10, 2009
Tami & Katie,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss! I knew Brad from High School and remember him well. He always had a smile on his face and never had a bad thing to say thing about another person! That in itself is a true gift from God. We will be praying for you during these difficult times.
Kyle & family
Comment by Kyle Voyles | November 10, 2009