We did a low-key Christmas at our house this year. It wasn't the same without Fred, but I think we did the best we could.
Dustin made his famous brined turkey and Elise her homemade pâté. Fred would have really enjoyed the meal. We toasted to his honor and filled our bellies with great food and wine... just as he would have wanted.
Dylan and Ava were of course spoiled with toys. Dylan's favorite this year was all of his new trains! He got several new trains this year, including a large Thomas the Train set! Trains were everywhere... you couldnt even see the floor! He also got several new clothes, including a train outfit from PaPa, and a gaint airplane from Ava!
Ava's favorite this year was a unicorn pillow-pet. She asked for a real unicorn, but this was close enough. She also asked for a basket for a kittens... maybe next year!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Fred Bradley (10-13-40 to 12-8-11)
The world lost an amazing man yesterday. Unfortunately Fred passed away last night around 11PM. Fortunately we were all able to spend the last several hours with him. We were able to talk to him and let him know how much we loved him. He was able to tell us how much he loved us back. This time was truly a gift. We told him how from now on we would always order an extra bottle of wine, and an extra appetizer, and an extra dessert in his honor. He responded with his famous words "make everyday a holiday and every meal a feast". He passed away in peace, not pain, surrounded by love.
Fred was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer over 10 years ago. He was told he had six months to a year to live. His super human will to live and love of life kept him not only alive, but thriving all those years. He was able to run a successful real estate company, travel the world, dine at the finest restaurants, celebrate 40+ years of marriage, golf with his buddies, watch his boys get married, meet both his grandkids... and spoil those grandkids absolutely rotten! He said it best in his final letter to us "When I go don't be sad. Don't tell people I died... tell them I lived".
He lived an amazing life and touched everyone that met him. He will be deeply missed, but will continue living in all of us.
Fred was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer over 10 years ago. He was told he had six months to a year to live. His super human will to live and love of life kept him not only alive, but thriving all those years. He was able to run a successful real estate company, travel the world, dine at the finest restaurants, celebrate 40+ years of marriage, golf with his buddies, watch his boys get married, meet both his grandkids... and spoil those grandkids absolutely rotten! He said it best in his final letter to us "When I go don't be sad. Don't tell people I died... tell them I lived".
He lived an amazing life and touched everyone that met him. He will be deeply missed, but will continue living in all of us.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Fred's Surgery
The day after Thanksgiving Fred was in too much pain to bear. So Darren took him to the ER and they did the surgery that night, instead of waiting until the 30th as planned. They ended up only having to drill two holes, instead of removing part of his skull. This is a blessing, as recovery is supposed to be much easier.
We were hoping for instant pain relief, but it seems to be going a little slower. Each day gets a little better though. He's now able to eat and keep down food, which is always a good sign. He was released from the hospital yesterday and is resting at home now. We're hoping he's feeling much better by Christmas!
We were hoping for instant pain relief, but it seems to be going a little slower. Each day gets a little better though. He's now able to eat and keep down food, which is always a good sign. He was released from the hospital yesterday and is resting at home now. We're hoping he's feeling much better by Christmas!
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