Hurting Hearts

Mike's Grandpa Bradshaw passed away this morning. Mike had his SUPAF performance today and I had taken the day off to run the event. His band had just played beautifully and they had just sat down in the auditorium to listen to the other groups when his mom called. I was in the hallway waiting for the next groups to arrive when he came out to call his mom back. We both knew before he called he what the conversation would contain. My sweet husband was so sad. Here he was in the middle of a band festival shedding tears for his dear grandpa. We both did.

I will always remember Grandpa Bradshaw as being a very soft spoken, kind, and gentle man. He cared about the people around him, he loved to watch sports, and he was fun to talk to. This summer we went to the cabin with him and he told me some amazing stories about his life. He loved to fly planes and he helped a lot of people through that ability. He was very generous and has helped me and Mike so much. I feel so indebted to him and Onda for their generosity though our married life. Mike and I have vowed that we will be like them one day.....doing what we can to help people in whatever way or with whatever skills we have been given. He has been an example to us, and especially to Mike.

Our kids have grown up going to Papa and Grandma Bradshaw's home. Mike's mom has been caring for them the last few years, so we've been to their house often. We visited on Monday and saw how tired and weak he was. Brayden hugged him a couple of times and that made him smile. He has always loved our kids so much. I'm glad we got to visit this week.

When I left the home of my own Grandma over a year ago, I knew that was the last time I would see her on this Earth even though I told her I would come again. Neither of us wanted to say goodbye so we didn't. As I left I cried and I wanted to hold onto her memory forever. When we left on Monday, we told Grandpa we would be back to visit in two weeks. We all believed that would be the case......we didn't think it was our last visit. Now I wish that instead of telling him when we would come again that we had said how much we loved him and that we were so grateful for all he had taught us. The moment has passed and we can't replay it, but I am glad right now for the knowledge of where he is, how healthy he is, and that he is back with Onda.

Anyway, I didn't really write that with you in mind but rather us. Grandpa Bradshaw has touched our lives deeply and we will miss him. We love you Grandpa!