Visitation · August 6, 2026
We knew we wanted a visitation event where people could spend time with Bradley’s casket, and where we could talk, remember, and mourn with the many people who loved him with more time than a funeral allows. But we were heartbroken by the idea of his casket simply sitting in a plain Sunday School room at our church. Sarah had a vision of a “jungle chapel,” with Bradley surrounded by plants, soft lighting, beautiful music, and the sounds of birds, crickets, and other animals, and a “Bradley Museum” filling the church hallways with pieces of his extraordinary life.
Our friends took up Bradley’s unofficial motto, “Make no small plans!” and embraced the challenge of bringing this crazy vision to life.
Our friends the Varsalonas traveled from Ireland and went shopping with us to purchase four trolleys of plants at Lowe’s and transport them all to the church! Dozens of people gave hours of their time, talents, and love, and the result was beyond our wildest dreams. They transformed some of the hardest days of our lives into a joyful and beautiful celebration of Bradley that we will never forget.
We especially treasure the fact that our daughter Annie and son Chris were included as part of the “Bradley Museum Committee” and that through this meaningful project, their circle of loving adults grew in a way that we know will bless their lives for many years.
