We do not have words to express our gratitude for the unbelievable outpouring of love from all over the world. It takes our breath away. Thank you, dear family, dear friends, dear classmates, teammates, long-ago dates, teachers, clients, coworkers, random people we met on vacation, people we only sort of knew for a brief moment in a different phase of our lives, and even the people who now only know us through you… How lucky are we to have touched lives with you and now feel your love back to us in this moment of need!
We have so much we want to share with everyone who loves us. We'll keep doing what we can every day. But we wanted to share the funeral details as soon as possible.
Services
Mount Vernon Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
6219 Villa Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22310
Same location
Broadcast on Zoom and recorded · zoom.us/j/96369352413
We felt it was important to have a visitation with Bradley's body present, so those who wish to can spend a quiet moment with him.
We also recognize that this is especially difficult for children. Our own kids are not sure how they feel about seeing him. We want families to know there will be many ways to participate that feel comfortable and appropriate — you can choose how to experience this.
Throughout the church hallways, we are creating a "Bradley Museum" with photos, memories, favorite possessions, projects, and pieces of Bradley's life. There may even be a snake to hold (!). Please, all feel welcome.
It is so hard to plan this but it also feels good to put energy into doing anything to celebrate Bradley's life. We think it's going to be beautiful. We'd love to have everyone there, whether in person or online.
After the service, there will be popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, the salty snacks Bradley loved, and a soda bar. We hope people will linger and visit and enjoy one another. The Bradley Museum will still be up during and after the funeral.
Later that day, we'll hold a smaller graveside service for family and close friends.
Bradley will be buried at Ivy Hill Cemetery on King Street in Alexandria. Picking the cemetery was easy and the only part of the funeral logistics that has not been horrible to live through. It is so beautiful and exactly right. It dates back to 1837, so it's got huge trees and gorgeous old headstones, a creek, hills, and valleys. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a registered arboretum "known for its rare and protected flora and fauna" (I mean, practically a biodome!), and Bradley would think it is awesome that the rocket scientist Wernher Von Braun is also buried there. But most importantly, Bradley and I walked around and explored the cemetery together two years ago after a service project there. It feels like he picked it.
More details to come as we continue planning. Thank you for carrying us with your prayers, your kindness, and your love. KC and I completely believe that when anyone grieves with us, it takes a piece of the weight off of us, and we could not keep moving forward without all this help.
Please share with everyone who loves us.