Brad

Well, it has been some very trying last 10 days or so. On March 30th, my hubby received a phone call from Frankfort, KY that his older brother, Brad, 71, was gravely ill. After staying in contact with the VA Hospital in Lexington, KY and friends of Brad's and wrapping up some business here at home (Cleveland, OH) we traveled to Frankfort on April 5th. Arriving in the late afternoon, we went directly to the VA Med Ctr in Lexington. We were pleased to see that Brad was able to communicate with us, mostly through writing because of the oxygen equipment. The two brothers cleared the air on some issues. It was wonderful to see that Brad still had a sense of humor about him, all while knowing that his body was failing. On Friday the 6th, after we left to get some lunch Brad requested his doctor and made the very Brave decision that he did not want the option of any machines, respirators, ventilators or other life-saving devices. When we returned to the Hospital, we found that Brad had been moved to the 'Comfort Care' floor and spent a couple of late hours with his brother. After conferring with the staff that there was no definite idea of how long Brad would continue to hang on, my hubby & I decided to return to Ohio on Saturday. We spent some time with Brad Saturday morning and told him that we were heading back home and that we would return. Brad smiled and waved us off. So, we got on the highway and headed north, traveling for about an hour and a half when the Hospital called. Brad waited until we were far enough away that we would not have to watch his final moments. We firmly believe that Brad did not want his little brother to see him fade, did not want his little brother to have to remember that moment.
Saturday afternoon, April 7th, Brad passed away with his pride, his dignity and being a protective Big Brother.
     Because we lived in different states, I didn't know Brad all that well, but I will never forget him blowing me kisses as we were leaving from one of our visits.
On Tuesday, the 10th, we had his service and sent him off to Sinatra's 'My Way'.
Brad was a respected attorney, loved his classic Porsche, his gardening, reading two novels per week and up til about 10 years ago had his pilot's license for small aircraft. He was still Best Friends with his College Frat Brother, Witt, and they began their passion for flying during their years at Ohio University (Athens,OH).
Next week we will be shipping Brad's ashes to Witt, where Witt (also 71) will be piloting Brad's last flight and distributing his ashes over their favorite private airport.
Fly free, fly strong and may your next three-point landing be in the comfort of God's hands.
2/12/1941 - 4/7/2012