Brad

Last September (2013), we lost my cousin Brad in a motorcycle accident. He was young and left 8 beautiful children, with a ninth on the way. I can barely think on the pain it caused me then, so I will put here only what I entered into my journal on the day of his funeral:

The tears found their way. My heart ached. It's painful and maddening. So many things I want to express about the love for Brad and the anger I feel from my toes for whoever it is pulling the strings to these life changes. Could God really pull a loving father from his children?
This is what I'll say. I love and will miss a truly genuine soul. I'm glad I saw his spark while it was here. I'm glad he didn't pass me by unnoticed. He was quiet and many didn't see him. He didn't demand attention and yet he was so incredible a soul with a heart of gold that shone more bright, that all they had to do was look.
My last memory of him was on the boat while we were on the lake in June. I didn't take a photo. I've thought about that decision many times. But we spoke about old times and future times. How could we know?
I love you Brad! We will forever miss you from our family events and future memories. We will toast to your memory always! Take your rest. Be with your little Cowboy. Give him your wisdom and love, then watch over them all from where you are. And most of all, I hope you have a way to understand what we cannot: the why.