Thursday, March 5, 2009



Brad's sweet cousin, Ashton ("Brother Ashton" in Zeke's eyes) wrote this in honor of Brad.

Bradley's Emancipation.

My cousin Brad, he was and still is I believe to be the greatest young Christian man I have ever known. I remember him always coming over after school and taking care of me, playing outside and spending the night at his house. He was great to me. Brad is the person I have looked up to for years and he has set an example of how I want to be.

I found out earlier this evening that he had passed away at 3:00 today. He was eaten up with cancer, and I have no clue why this awful case would come upon him, Jenny, Zeke, K and the rest of our family. He has fought this bravely, and stayed a strong, loving husband and dad to his family.

Brad's a survivor, he has fought and won his goal in life, to go to heaven and he did. Althought we miss him we are...in a way, glad that his suffering has been lifted. I could go on forever telling the great things about Brad. He DOES NOT want us to remember his as he has been, but how he was and those are the memories I choose to remember. Brad is free from the cancer, he is finally free. Love you.

Thank you Ashton for those touching, heart-felt words. I know that Brad is looking down on you, beaming with pride at the young man you have become. He has always been so proud of you Ash.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jenny,

You are absolutely amazing and precious! I will always remember him for the amazing person he was inside. You still lift up those around you who have great memories and those with tears even though it is not your job. You were a rock tonight.

I wish all my patients were like Brad! I truely believe that he was able to do things that the doctors did not think possible. I am a better person and therapist from having him and you in my life. The world is a much more beautiful place with having had you and Brad. Brad and our Heavenly Father are most certainly proud of you and all that you are. May you be blessed in ways we have yet to imagine. You and yours deserve it.
Love you all,
Jennifer Gordon

da momma said...

What a great picture! Sweet Cousins!

Cochran Family said...

Jenny, my heart has been so very heavy for you and your family this week. I have never met you, but feel like I have through reading your blog regularly. I was one of your MK girls :) Please know that you are on my mind and heart and I am praying for you.

Tiffani K said...

Often in our grief, its hard to rejoice for those who have "left" us, its been 3 years and my heart aches for my murdered cousin as much today as it did the day I got the call. But even in our darkest hour, we can call on Him and He will be our strength. My prayers are with you and your family, especially those beautiful children in your time of need. I am not sure you have heard of this but there is a website that you can set up a in memory of page. http://tahneejackson.memory-of.com/About.aspx . It may be a comfort to you as it has been a comfort to me.

bairds said...

Jenny,
I have been praying for your precious family over the last year. I am praying a new prayer now as God works to heal your sweet heart. My husband lost his dad a few years ago...after going through that, I know there are no words for the loss you are feeling right now.
Brad is an amazing man of faith...and there is no doubt he is rejoicing in heaven right now. I know as you said, we can only imagine.
There is a girl who used to go to Prestoncrest with us. Her name is Stephanie. She has a little boy who is about 3, and her husband died a year or two ago with cancer. Her blog address is mccordfamilytx.blogspot.com
Just wanted to share that with you in case you might want to see her journey.
Love,
Cori (Bowers) Baird

Anonymous said...

This reminds me of the story of the little boy and his dog dying. The little boy understands that dogs lifespan is shorter than man's because dogs figure out all the good and get the job done faster than man.
There are so many people that the Wims family has touched and those millions are lifting you and your family up.
We are better people thru you!
Lynn Fuller (Tammie Shelton's aunt)

Bobbie Brodsgaard said...

Ashton has always been such a fine young man - even as a little boy he took the time to speak to my parents every Sunday at church and they just loved that. Ashton, if you're reading this, we're proud of you. Your tribute to Brad is so touching and heartfelt.

Rachel said...

What a sweet tribute! I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family and praying for you all today (and every day...you are never far from my mind!!!) May God bless you today with His comforting embrace.

With much love,
Rachel

Lynn said...

What an awesome young man Ashton is. I'm not surprised since he is a family member! He had quite an insight into Brad and his incredible faith. I know that forever on Brad will be impacting all his decisions and guiding his life. Like he will many. Brad is still an influence for Christ! Now, he is just on the Heavenly side as a guide.

Anonymous said...

Jenny:

My heart continues to ache for you and your family, as well as Brad's parents/relatives. What a great loss for you all - but what an awesome support system he had to help him make the journey. One can see what a wonderful wife you were to him, the times you smiled and made everything seem normal, when inside I'm sure you felt so differently. God has seen your pain and your faithfulness. It's hard for us to understand why some must go way too early. I pray for God's rich blessings on you and your children in the days ahead.

Anonymous said...

Jenn,

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there this weekend. I have been thinking of you and your family constantly. My heart is breaking for you. Hugs from Chicago.

Sherry

Anonymous said...

Ashton, You are an incredible young man! Brought tears to my eyes just to see you standing side by side with Brad as I know he has been and will continue to be by your side with his ever loving example. Bless you for such a wonderful tribute.
Jenny, our thoughts and prayers continue for you all. May God above bring you sweet peace and renewed strength. With much love, kim e

Anonymous said...

Praying that you and your family are getting through this difficult time. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Deb said...

Jenny, you don't know me, but I went to high school with Brad. Reading your blog has been an amazing insight into your strength, and the strength you give your family. Bless you, and I hope you and the children continue to do well with Brad watching over you.

Anonymous said...

Jen,
Brad was such an amazingly courageous young man. We are deeply saddened by your loss. Brad was so lucky to have you and your two beautiful children. I know that your faith, your family, and your friends will continue to strengthen and comfort you.

Gwen & Larry Rollo

cristian said...

I can't believe this. He was my Introduction to Business teacher at Channelview High and I've always remembered him. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

One of my favorite memories of Brad was Homecoming week at CHS. He dressed as "Braveheart". He was an amazing person. My heart goes out to you and your precious children. I have been reading your blog everyday since you first started it. It has been wonderful watching your kids grow.

Jennifer Ortiz said...

I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.