Friends

I spent some time this afternoon just thinking about all my friends, especially those who are new to me because of all of this. Obviously, nothing makes it worth losing my wife to me, but I’m just so thankful for all my friends, whether I’ve known them for one day, one week, one month, one year, or one lifetime. I will say that Facebook has been a much more active part of my life these days, and apparently a tragedy warrants more friend requests than I was getting beforehand. (Not sure what that says for me as a person, but that’s neither here nor there, I suppose.)

But, my point is not the humor I’m finding in the situation, but rather the gratefulness I have for those people who care so much about me “sight unseen.” I now have some new friends, and right now, friends (family, included) are everything to me. I gave everything in me to my marriage because I love hard, and spent all my relationship energy on my wife and kids. Certainly nothing will change the love I have for my kids, but I am finding how good it is to have so many friends (i.e. adults) around to talk to about everything going on.

Anyway, as usual, thanks again for all of you. If you’re new to my life, thank you for jumping right in and loving me as if you’ve known me for years. If you’ve known me for years, thank you for your endless devotion and for understanding that even I don’t know how I need to grieve and being okay with that.

5 thoughts on “Friends”

  1. Dear Brad,
    So many of us didn’t know you to ask to be friends with you prior to your tragedy. People do rise to the occasion when needed. I check your blog several times a day to see if you have posted any updates. You sound like you’re doing as well as can be expected. One day at a time. You can’t heal your heart any quicker then it takes. Be gentle with yourself. Love to you and your family

  2. Hey brad, Like Cyndi I check quite frequently for your posts to see how you are doing and how well or not that you guys dealing with everything. I still feel a great amount of guilt for not going to the funeral service , but I felt that I wouln’t be able to control myself. So I do apologize for that. But know that , that is no reflection on how I feel! I care for you guys greatly! I know I have not seen you or stephanie for such a long time but that doesn’t mean I didn’t care. I am so glad we reconnected. I am sorry it was under these circumstances! I continue to pray and think of you guys always! Your children are precious! They love you! As Brady pointed out today! :) Too cute! Anyways we should get a bunch of us together sometime soon! We should have a huge get together! Anyways I am no babbling on. Sorry! I am glad to be there for you guys if you ever need anything! ttyl :)

  3. I too check your blog daily for updates on how you, Brady and Halle are doing! I am glad to be one of the “new” friends in your life (even if it is only through the internet!)

  4. It is strange to think that Steven and I have known you almost our entire lives. Thinking back to the days of Hilton, I can still remember your mom coming to events and making her awesome shortbread cookies, yummy and always being afraid to say your last name since I always said it wrong. But regardless of if we have known you for 25 years or not, we are glad to say that we know you and can call you our friend. If it is in God’s plan for us to remain in touch with you and your kids, then we welcome the chance and look forward to 25 more year of memories.

  5. I too check your blog every day. I think about you and your children every day, and your family too. I was glad we were able to make it to the wake, but i stayed home and watched my grandchildren so Kris and Mark could go to the funeral. My thoughts were with you that day and will be with you always. It seems like only yesterday that we met, and you will always be part of our lives.
    If there is anything i can do for you, you know i am only a phone call away. We will continue to pray for you and your family. You are a strong man Brad, and i know you and your children will get thru this one day at a time, and of course Stephanie is always right by your side, always remember that.
    We will also be right by your side, but most of all God is right there to carry you whenever you need him. Keep in touch, we love you.

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