This blog is a letter dedicated to a my dear friend who was taken way to soon.
Dear Brad,
I can't help but to think how pissed you are that you are no longer with us. All I can is you throwing a tantrum saying how it wasn't your time to go and yelling in anger about all the things you left unfinished. The night before I got the news, I told myself to reach out to you and see how things were going since we haven't spoken in awhile, but you know, life happened and I got way to caught up in my day. I lost my chance. I feel guilty because it's kind of like it was a sign from the universe. We hadn't spoken in months and you randomly popped into my head the night before your life was taken and I didn't do anything about it. I feel as though I am constantly waiting for you to pop up somewhere and tell me you are okay and everything is alright. I know everything happens for a reason and I'm usually really good at coming up with reasons but for this I can't.
We had the strangest relationship. Many people didn't understand, honestly I didn't even understand it. I disliked you so much at some points due to your stubborn attitude and your smart ass mouth. I also had hella love for you. You always had my back in literally any situation. Whether it was a random pep talk when you saw I was feeling down, talking to the cops when I obviously wasn't in the right mindset, or simply just making sure I was okay. You were my best friend. We could always go months without talking and we'd see each other and it was like we never missed a beat.
We shared so many memories together. BDB and KTRIP is literally the reason I have so many stories to tell about high school. Anyone who knows me, knows my goal in life is to have a ton of stories to tell my grandkids. It means so much that we all were able to have so many great times. We were always into something man and doing the most. But I swear those were the best days of my life.even when I came home after my freshmen year of college, you and a few others definitely made that a summer one to remember.
My dad said part of growing up is losing people you care about. I'm 21 I shouldn't have to be burying my friends due to the acts of others. I'm so hurt that you were taken from us so soon and to see all of these people you touched makes it even worse. You meant so much to so many people. So many of us are hurting right now. Luckily, you left your kiddies with two strong women. I know it has to be hard on them right now & I couldn't imagine being in their position. They are strong though and so many people are looking out for them, they will be okay, don't worry. I had no idea you and Hayley were expecting again! I have no idea how she put up with you for all those years Bradley. I can't believe you all decided to name the baby Kaleb! When I tell you I gasped, I gasped. I couldn't be more excited to be able to share a name with your last born. I keep wanting to pick up the phone and text you and ask you about it.
There was so much catching up we had to do that won't ever happen now. I was excited for this thanksgiving break because that's when I get to see all my old comrades. You are the reason that I Kmac. Without you I wouldn't have my alter ego lol & honestly I probably wouldn't be here without out it. I remember when you first started calling me that, I hated it. It started out as a thing that only my close friends called me but now here we are years later and most people don't even know my real name. Lol
You were doing so many great things & I am so happy for how far you made it. You were the most ambitious person I've ever known. You refused to allow anyone to tell you no and despite any obstacles you faced, you pushed through them all. You wanted nothing more but to be successful and you had the drive to make it. All I want to do is keep your story alive. For your family, friends and well you. You didn't deserve to die this soon and I refuse to let you. I am going to do my best to make sure people know who The Brad Johnson was. I want to keep your legacy going. I want to raise awareness for gun violence and how big of an effect it can have. I want your kids to know how great of a person you were. Maybe I'm being selfish idk. One way or another Bradley Scott Johnson is supposed to make it. I am going to try my hardest to make sure people don't forget your name.
To all the good and bad times we had Bradley. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Kmac.
