Hi, my name is Julie, and I’m writing this with a heart that is grieving deeply, but also with faith.
My beloved husband, Brad McLaughlin, has passed away, and I am now facing the unimaginable responsibility of laying him to rest. I never thought I would be asking for help during such a painful time, but I am reaching out with humility, trusting God and leaning on the compassion of others.
Brad was a man of strength, conviction, and quiet devotion. He served in the United States Navy, and that spirit of loyalty and steadfastness remained part of who he was for the rest of his life.
But Brad was so much more than a veteran.
Brad was a professional counselor, and helping others wasn’t just his job, it was his calling. If someone had something weighing on their heart, something they couldn’t untangle or understand, they could come to Brad… and he would sit with them, listen carefully, and help them find clarity.
He had a rare gift for seeing what was really going on beneath the surface.
Sadly, Brad was only able to counsel for a short time before becoming seriously ill. As his health declined, he was forced to step away from the work he loved and spend his time going to doctors and dealing with his illness, until he could no longer continue counseling.
Brad also knew the Word of God, and his faith was a steady foundation in his life. It wasn’t something he simply spoke about, but something he leaned on, especially in the moments that mattered most.
One of his favorite sayings was:
“Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.”
(1 John 4:4)
That truth shaped how he faced life.
Brad was stubborn, in the way strong men often are, but he was also fiercely protective of the people he loved. He carried a steady presence that made others feel safe.
And even with all that seriousness and wisdom, Brad had the kind of humor that could surprise you.
He had a dry, British-like wit, and he loved imitating voices, especially a Scottish accent. He could really make the room laugh when you least expected it. That was Brad: thoughtful, strong, faithful… but still full of personality and warmth.
To me, Brad was not just my husband…
He was my companion.
My comfort.
My answered prayer.
Our love was sacred and a gift from God in my life. I truly believed we had more time.
Now I’m trying to honor him with dignity and peace, the way he deserves.
