Day 1
Now you won’t have to guess if this is Tami or Brad writing. However, I might just throw in some misspelled words to throw you off now and again! About 24 hours ago from right now I lost my forever best friend, confidant, and love. Yesterday, I had about 1,000,000 conversations about Brad. Every single one of them was filled with laughter and joy. Brad was a great guy. I spent more of my life with him than before I met him. I have a huge hole in my path right now but with the love and support I have felt from everyone, that hole was passable yesterday and hopefully with time will be the same each day.
Brad used this blog as sort of a therapy for dealing with cancer. I now will use this blog as sort of a therpy for dealing with grief. Hopefully, it will touch hearts and bring laughter along the way making this new adventure easier for me, Katie and the millions of others in the world grieving.
Cancer sucks. That’s it. Nothing else to say on that topic.
MD Anderson. You gave Brad 2 1/2 more years of life with me and Katie. Some days were great, some not so great. We ALWAYS knew we were in the best hands. From day 1, we felt your love and care that permeated from your souls for those with the disease and those who were caretakers and supporters. I can’t thank you enough. I was glad to put my “Smart Chip” in the slot yesterday for the last time. You guys gotta work on that parking fee, seriously!
Family-As we have said, you guys have carried us through this battle. We love you all so much. Brad loved everyone of you and so do Katie and I. He would not wish this disease on anyone else in our circle. As for any of your current faults, Katie did tell me that three of you swept the living room floor yesterday at separate times. My floor is probably in shock. Feel free to sweep if that helps you through this time, but know that I don’t expect it and neither does my floor really!
Friends- Good grief! (What exactly does that mean? Am I experiencing that phrase for the first time?) Yesterday, we found out just how small our house is between people and food filling it up. Last year we “downsized” seriously when we bought this place. God put in place just what needed to be happening right when we needed it. You guys have been put into our lives for certain times right when we needed it. I don’t think I have laughed so much as I did yesterday. I was so blessed to know that Brad made everyone laugh. All in all, it was a really good day yesterday. Brad always said that if the worst thing that was going to happen with him is that one day he would wake up in the arms of Jesus then ok…he felt he was in a win/win situation. He worried mostly about me and Katie left on this side. We are going to need help. Be there for us. Just don’t think you all need to sweep! We love you guys.
Now, I fell asleep quickly tonight because I had only one hour of sleep before the “crisis of the end” phone calls started coming. I was exhausted. Then tonight, I woke up and reality smacked me in the face again. So I checked the blog and facebook. Wow…today’s form of grieving. Hmmmmm. I can beginning to feel tired again so I am going to try to sleep some more. Pray for Katie and I, and our family and friends during the next few days as many decisions will be made as to where, when and how we will celebrate Brad’s earthly life. I can promise you this- won’t be stuffy, won’t be sad, won’t be short either probaby! Oh…Brad would hate that I just said that- his attention span wouldn’t last a long celebration. But…I guess this time, he is -in a sense- a captive audience.
Tami and Katie,
I know Brad is so happy now and feeling fantastic! I have all great memories of Brad. One inparticular has come to mind in the last 24 hours and that would be of our Youth Choir trip to Pennsylvania, New York, and Washington in 1976 as Nobles Nerds. What a cherished memory for me. I’m not sure what was on his T-shirt but we were all named after the 7 dwarfs. I was sleepy and Alan was Doc.
Please know that you and Katie and all of Brad’s family will be in my closest thoughts and prayers in the days, weeks and months ahead.
God has a perfect plan,
Mandy Johnson-Hensell
Comment by Mandy Johnson-Hensell | November 7, 2009
Tami,
I sense you’re overwhelmed with love right now. With that in mind, I will save my phone call until after the service when things are less demanding for you. I believe you will need that support just as much then. Just know you and Katie are in our prayers. Kindly – Cheryl
Comment by Cheryl Ewing Kiff | November 7, 2009
Constantly thinking of you and Katie and are here to do whatever you need. We are all so blessed to have Brad, Katie and you as a part of our falcon family and will always cherish our memories of Brad. I’m sure the new “falcon” in the heavens will be the highlight of the place bringing joy to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care. Hugs, T
Comment by Teresa | November 7, 2009
Tami, your sense of humor is priceless. I’m so pleased that you’ll be continuing to use the blog to share. I’ll definitely continue to be a reader.
When the dust settles, you may want to check out this blog, written by an amazing woman who lost her husband to cancer a few weeks ago.
http://mariniksblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/six-word-saturday.html
Comment by Susan C | November 7, 2009
We are heartbroken along with you both. We will do everthing we can to get you both through this. I will be your shoulder, your company, and your punching bag if needed. I have mixed feelings about yesterday. I am so glad I could be there, but at the same time, it crushes me. Kenneth is a man of few words, but he told me this morning that he wanted you to know that he would be honored if you used him as your man around the house. I love you both, and I love Brad. I hope you know how important you are in my life both professionally and personally! Love you!
Comment by Kenneth and Kristi | November 7, 2009
Dear Tami & Katie,
Our family is praying for you all! May God comfort you and give you peace. What wonderful memories you both must have of Brad.
Comment by Lauri McGaughey | November 7, 2009
Dear Tami and Katie,
Please know our prayers are with you. I have not seen Brad in years but he was a special friend to me in high school. He will be missed but his laughter will be with us all. Even though I have never met either of you please know you are loved and in our prayers. He was special and so are you…..
Comment by Rhonda Derrick Young | November 7, 2009
Tami & Katie,
I just learned of Brad’s passing and am so very, very sorry. You all were such a blessing at FBC, and Brad offered a much-need voice of reason and perspective. Our hearts grieve with you in the loss of this wonderful man.
We wish you peace and rest. It sounds like it has been an extraordinary couple of years as you battled the cancer together. May you continue to find the beauty and the humor and the hope on this side of the disease. With love to you both, Shaundra & Josh Taylor
Comment by Shaundra Taylor | November 7, 2009
Dear Mrs. Williams & Katie,
You are indeed in our thoughts and prayers. I read in a comment above “…what wonderful memories you both must have of Brad.” Oh how true! We only have an inkling of memories in comparison to you ~ but they will be with us for a lifetime. What an inspiration he was to all of us and to the kids that were so lucky to have him as a teacher, such as our Emily. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful, kind, loving, and generous person with so many people. Lots and lots of love to you both and to your family! Nancy, Michael, and Emily
Comment by Nancy M & Fam | November 8, 2009
Tami and Katie, You are my hero’s. You helped Brad pave his way to heaven with laughter and peace. You never stopped encouraging, hoping, and loving him. I am sure that he has already purchased your one way ticket to heaven because of your faithfulness during his cancer.(Of course this was only after he located the EL FENIX for his chips and salsa fix!) I know that he left this earth with the peace that you have lots of family and friends that will walk this new path with you. You are not alone. We love you both!!
Shannon and Greg (Gomer & Emma too!)
Comment by Shannon | November 8, 2009
Tami,
It has been awhile since I last saw you (maybe hs)but I want to send my heartfelt prayers to you and your family as you deal with your loss. Your husband and your relationship seemed genuine and deep with a tremendous amount of love and memories to make life that much more fuller and meaningful. God has a reason for everything and it seems that you and your daughter are dealing with the loss by dwelling on the great times and the true connection you had with your husband that will help you get through this.
All the best and god bless,
Ruben Duron (80′ Mac)
Comment by Ruben Duron | November 8, 2009
Tami and Katie
My prayers are with you. I’ll share this with you both..
Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you giving Brad to Tami and Katie. Thank you for Your love today. Thank you for Your power to do all things and that nothing is impossible for You. Thank you for Your promise to never leave Tami and Katie and never forsake them. Please increase their faith so that they can have complete trust in you and your love for us. Thank you for hearing our prayers and we’ll give you all the praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Love you Both!
Levatta
Comment by Levatta Levels | November 8, 2009
Dear Mrs. Williams,
We all miss you so much. Everyone was crying Friday. Hope to see you soon.
Love,
Sam
Comment by Sam Dennehy | November 8, 2009
Tami
Please know that you are and your family are in our prayers. I cannot imagine the journey you have been on and the sense of loss you are feeling now. There are no words of understanding I can give because I have not experienced what you are experiencing but I have walked this road with many other families. I know that God will walk with you through the grief process as he has through the cancer journey. Yes, Brad is healed and with God now. We can celebrate that as we can celebrate his life. Although I only met him once, I know he was a wonderful man from the stories you have told me. I am so glad that you and your family have faith in God to help you now. I will continue to pray for your family. Love – Mary Christopher
Comment by Mary Christopher | November 9, 2009
Tami and Katie-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but I know that you will have so many great memories to hold onto forever. Not to mention a wonderful angel with a great sense of humor watching over you both. Tami- your strength and faith is an inspiration to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. By the way, you are so right on the “smartchip”, it was smarter than me last time we were there!
Love,
Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne Gorrell | November 9, 2009
Tami and Katie~ We have been out of town…..Please know that you and your family are always in our prayers~ ALWAYS! We are all heartbroken at Brad’s passing~ Wow- What a wonderful person he was….and we are so blessed that we were able to share part of his life here on earth with you all! Please know we are here and will be here to continue this journey with you. We love you both!
Jacque and Jeff
Comment by Jacque and Jeff and boys | November 9, 2009