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Bradley Ray Pearman |
| To reference the largeness of my fathers’
life would be trite. Dad was merely a man and susceptible, as are we all, to
the unfortunate condition of being a frail human. Among the greatest gifts that our Maker has given us is expression of our own will. As we gather today, it is the alignment of freedom that we should embrace and not humanly grief. We should delight in the freedom of The Father, to create the man we know as Brad, and the Freedom of MY father to lead a life such that we are unified as a family today. Dad had dedicated his time here to the betterment of me and of us. From music in the park, Christmas lights in the town triangle, and a refreshed library to an updated school system and active theater, dad has selflessly worked to attain a kinship with all who desire to better themselves and thereby better the neighborhood we all live in. In all of his endeavors, Dad needed much help with his greatest undertaking which was raising me. It truly does take a village to raise a child because it took everyone here to raise me. In an eerie sense, dad always knew his time here would be shorter than he liked, and now it is time for all of us to repay him. Just as it took all of you to embrace the good that dad brought to this community, it will take all of us to perpetuate his strength in me for his footprints are larger than I could ever hope to fill. I have always found my fortitude in the values that everyone here has imparted in me and I ask that you help me still to become a man of my father’s legacy. Dad has a very unique relationship with his Maker - a relationship that is based in knowledge and intellect that many of us will never grasp. I only hope that we all may construct as peaceful a home as Dad’s natural connections have. Dad’s association with our Mother Earth and the people who pass through our lives is uncanny. He had an unassuming ability to level with people of great power and people working on an hourly wage with one goal…to unite us all as family. This extended sense of family and community has led many of you here today and I pray may lead you all to peace and fulfillment as we part. Though Dad did not exude piety, his actions were always of a grateful heart. I truly hope that we all can experience such a connection to our surroundings and that you all help me to realize the shadow that I am so honored to walk in. It is necessary that we all grieve singularly, and in individual ways. But for dad’s life to fulfill a purpose, I hope that we all may grieve together and briefly. Dad surely is mad at all of us as he sees we are gathered and sad on his behalf. I have a great hope that as this family carries on after today we will remain close. But more than anything I hope that the life of my father will strike a chord in all of us that we may become a tighter knit family and more selfless community. More at ease in boots and jeans than a tie, dad was willing to work for harmony in our community, but when needed would still get dirty in any boardroom in the county if it meant greater opportunity for any of us. Dad has reaped much pride from his friends and family because he would give his all for any of us. This characteristic is common amongst us because we are family and I hope that his peaceful passing can solidify our commitment to each other. The work that dad did for all of us will hopefully model the work we all do in our community and bring peace to our families. I have had many experiences in the past few days that have solidified my belief that Dad’s connection to nature surpasses my understanding. From nighthawks pausing their migration at our home to the clouds parting as the hearse carted his body away, I have realized that not only is dad in every hummingbird on our porch, but so is the mystery which makes life such a wonder. The awe created by our surroundings is evidence of the doings of our Maker and the wonder of life. Dad concreted us all in the awe he perpetuated in this community both in physical structures and communal systems that benefit everyone who passes through this town. In dad’s world, we will never be gauged by the way we are, but rather by what we do. May all of our actions represent the love he felt for us and for everyone he met. I will miss dad but I know I will see him frequently and so will you. In every flower and tree you pass in your garden or along the road, dad will be ever-present and shining on us all. I hope that all of you will rejoice with me in the presence that dad has left us and in the presence that will strike us from time to time in natural phenomenon. I want all of you, my family, to know that every migrating crane and shooting star will elicit from me the mantra “fly papa fly” because I know that now there is a family that needs his strength and commitment more than us. |
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Online condolences can be expressed to the bereaved family. |