Thursday, October 8, 2015

Happy Birthday! Michael! (Part 1 0f 2)


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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