Michael James Bradley
(October 9, 1953-June
26, 2012)
Farewell &
Greetings
(Though Time and
Space temporarily separate us, you are always spirit cherished-loved!)
Contemplating
a move back to St. Louis after a three year hiatus on a trek to my beloved beautiful
Oregon coast, God’s summer place in North America, and a re-visit to my
birthplace, Nashville in the Tennessee hill country, home of the Grand Ole
Opry, I called an acquaintance with whom I had worked some years earlier,
Michael Bradley, still living in St. Charles, Missouri and working the Midwest
region. Mike kindly arranged an interview for me; upon completion of the
session, I was hired. Making a third major relocation in as many years, moving
the family, horses, vehicles and household furnishings, we settled in to
another routine. Almost!
Within
a month, or so, of getting back to the grindstone, I found myself in the office
one afternoon about two-thirty. That happenstance was unusual for me as I
worked independently and, generally, vacated the home base well before noon
each day. Busy with reports, I sensed someone at my door. There stood Michael,
leaning against the jamb, watching me. He, too, spent scant time within the
confines of the office so, that, too, was an anomaly. Also, we had an amicable,
but, casual relationship so I found it curious that he should seek me out.
“Do
you ever feel like you want to cry, but there is no reason for it?” He queried
as I looked up. Completely surprised, I laid down my pen and leaned back in my
chair.
“Yes!”
I replied, completely at ease as Mike came in and sat down. “Sometimes in
church, the feeling will come over me; mostly at offering and at Communion
time.”
He
nodded understanding which I found curious since he was generally somewhat
aloof and pretty private in manner of living circumstance; neither of us
participated in office social affairs.
“Sometimes
that happens when I think of or see my family members,” I volunteered.
“Do
you know what that is?” He prompted. I shook my head saying “No”.
“That
is the stirring of the Holy Spirit within you,” he stated, matter-of-factly.
(Pat 2 of 2---tomorrow)
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