In Loving Memory, Bradley Joseph Schultz

Dear family and friends,

This is going to be hard to write, but on the other hand, writing helps me process the sorrows and joys of my life. 

How do I begin?  It’s a sweet story with a sad ending; that’s certain.

How did they meet?  Abigail lives in Birmingham, AL and Bradley lived in La Place, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, or as Bradley liked to call it “the city”.   Both ended up in Okaloosa Island near Fort Walton Beach, FL on July 10th.  Bradley with his group of childhood friends and Abigail with a friend of hers. 

Abigail told us she was talking to a boy sometime in July, but we didn’t know it was getting serious quickly.  After a month, he asked her to be his girlfriend, posting the news to social media.  The next day our family was all in a stir because we usually talk about that kind of thing before it’s posted online! 

So, Abigail got texts from all of us asking what was up.  And I waited for him to find me and friend request me.  I wanted to see what kind of guy he was.  And he didn’t disappoint me; I got a friend request that evening. 

Our family was able to meet him for the first time August 8^th at our other daughter Katherine’s gender reveal.  My first impression was that he was a little rough around the edges, but I prayed about how to respond and God assured me I should give him a chance and open my heart to get to know him.

And that’s exactly what we did.  If you’ve met our family, you know we love hard once we know you’re “ours”.  And we made a conscious decision to treat Bradley as family.  After many visits, FaceTime calls, and phone conversations with Jeff, we grew to love him and be open to him being a permanent part of our family.

When Jeff called in September to find out Bradley’s intentions, it was confirmed that Bradley was thinking long-term and wanted to marry Abigail.  We loved him very much by then and could see that he was a loving protector of our daughter, so Jeff offered his blessing for their marriage. 

Then we waited.  And waited.  And waited.  But Bradley had his own process and timing to work out, as do all young men contemplating such a huge commitment. 

Then on Thursday night, January 7^th we got a late-night invitation for a FaceTime call, and although I knew what we might hear, Jeff was in bed, so we waited until Friday the 8^th to FaceTime, hear the much awaited news and congratulate them.  I remember telling Bradley how much I loved him and how thankful I was for him being in Abigail’s life to look out for and protect her.  We were all in tears.

Then Monday, January 11th brought fresh tears as we heard the news that Bradley had left us… 

And our lives will never be the same.  Mostly because we met one of the most gentle, kind, humble and teachable young men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing, but also because once you love someone deeply, losing them is so painful.  When he and Jeff talked many times on the phone, he always listened with intensity and respect.  I think he missed a father relationship since his daddy left earth too soon when Bradley was a child. 

I can’t tell you why he left, but I can tell you he’s with Jesus.  Abigail told us the most important stories, those of Bradley’s faith, and he did have a strong faith in Christ.  She told me a couple times that as they attended church together, when the pastor would preach on salvation, or being born again, Bradley would tell her, “That’s what I want.”  And Abigail would see him praying with the pastor as the prayer was given. 

We know where he is now.  We would prefer he was with us.  But if he can’t be here, we’re comforted in knowing he’s with his Father in Heaven and that we’ll get to see him again soon.

Just like I told my daddy when he left earth, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

Bradley, I’ll see you tomorrow. 

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