Helping Bradford - Part III
Previously on Vision Quest - Roosevelt arrives on the Law Firm’s Lear Jet to be with Trevor and Bradford. They organize people from past Vision Quests to visit Brad and provide him with support. Everyone is waiting in the hospital chapel to hear from Trevor about what happened.
To read part II, click here.
The sound of whispered conversations echoed through the Chapel. The atmosphere was one of gratitude and camaraderie as everyone shared their stories of how the brothers had touched their lives. As Trevor walked in, the room fell into an uneasy hush.
All eyes were on Trevor. “Thanks so much for coming. Have a seat, and I’ll fill you in on what happened.”
Everyone sat in the pews. Trevor stood in the aisle, he gestured animatedly while describing the accident. Everyone was silent as he spoke. Hazel and Rose were visibly upset, tears welling up in their eyes.
Trevor paused and took a deep breath. “The doctor wishes to limit the duration and number of people who see Brad. I’m sorry to drag all of you here for such a brief visit.”
“Trevor, it’s okay.” Hazel said, “We just want to help. Plus, Roosevelt told us the visits may be short.”
“Yes, don’t worry,” Bill said. “If Marc were here … he would… well, you know.”
“Yes, Bill, I do,” Trevor said quietly.
He turned to Hazel, “Let’s begin with you and Cory,” He motioned for them to follow him to Brad’s room.
Walking down the hall, Cory fidgeted with his fingers, feeling anxious, he was only eleven years old, after all. “What do I say, Mr. Strand?”
Trevor stopped, knelt, and looked into Cory’s eyes. “First, it’s Trevor. As for what to say, talk to him, tell him about your life after we left you. Even though he's in a coma, the doctor thinks he can hear people talking.”
“Okay, Trevor, I do have good news to tell him.”
“That’s true,” Hazel said. “It’s only been three months, and the doctors have seen an improvement already.”
Trevor stood. “That’s great. His room is just down the hall.”
After they walked into the room, Trevor moved two chairs over to Brad’s bed. He reached out and gently clasped his brother’s hand. “Someone is here to see you, Brad.”
“Brad,” Hazel said cautiously, “it’s me, Hazel. We’re doing wonderful because of you. If you and Trevor didn’t come into our lives, I don’t know what would have happened.”
She sank into her chair, put her head in her hands, and exhaled.
Cory was next, “Mr. Strand, the medical trials are going well for me. The doctors think I have a great chance of recovery. I want you and Trevor to help me pick out my Harley when I’m sixteen.”
Hazel said again, “Bradford, just get better… please.”
Roosevelt’s voice was barely above a whisper as he mentioned it was time for them to go. Hazel and Cory quietly left. Rose, Jerry, and Jenny were next.
Jerry was first, “Brad, you get better, you hear me? I was a mess before you, and Trevor found us. I would have jumped off the dam if it weren’t for you and your brother.”
Little Jenny was next, her voice shaking as she spoke through tears. “Please get better, Mr. Brad. Because of you, you saved my Daddy—”
She gazed up at Rose, her eyes pleading for reassurance. “He’ll be okay, right Mommy?”
“Honey, I hope so, we’ll pray for him tonight when you go to bed.” She turned to Brad. “Look Brad, people need you. This Vision Quest you are on helps so please … get better so you can continue with it.”
They left, and Bill walked in and motioned for Trevor in the corner of the room.
“Look, Trevor, I’m not sure I can do much good talking to Brad. I’m not in the best of spirits.”
“I understand, but you agree with the Vision Quest, right, even with what happened to your son.”
He shook his head in frustration. “Of course, but that’s not what I meant!”
“Just say that then… if he really hears what you all say, it will help.”
“Okay… I can do that.”
Bradford sensed everything that happened in the hospital room. There was no floating above his body like in the movies. Instead, he was completely aware of everything that transpired, with information appearing in his brain instantly.
“See, Brad, look at all the good you and Trevor have done.”
Brad was getting used to seeing his wife, he had missed her so much. “How do I understand so much, it seems to rush into my head without actually hearing or seeing?”
Her warm smile caused love to wash over him. “That’s the way it works here, dear. Your mind can absorb these things here immediately, unlike on earth.”
Although he knew he and Trevor were making a difference, Brad felt a sense of serenity being with Jill. He vividly remembered the limo accident, which happened only six months ago, taking away Jill and Timmy from him. He could spend eternity with them now.
Jill sensed her husband’s thoughts. “Brad, I told you… you’d be talking to others… here is the first one.”
Jill’s form faded away, and he found himself face-to-face with Marc. “Mr. Strand, I guess you never thought you’d see me again.”
Brad’s face lit up with joy at the sight of him. “Marc,” he said with a smile, “given where we are, please call me Brad.”
“Good point … Brad. Look, I understand how you feel about staying here. But I want you to consider going back. You and Trevor helped me… A lot, even though I ended up here.”
“How is that, son?”
“Well, two reasons. My dad saw me improve and start down a righteous path. For the first time in my life, he was proud of me. I made the right decision and was proud of myself for the first time.”
“It’s such a waste that they killed you. You should be able to live your life, get married, have kids.”
“One thing I learned up here is it’s complicated. We don’t know God’s plan for the world.”
“So why do I get a choice and you didn’t?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “That’s a good question, I simply don’t know. But —”
He paused and looked into the distance. “I’m worried about my father. I know things aren’t going well for him.”
“You’re right about that, everyone came to talk to me in the hospital… but you probably know that already.”
“Yeah, this place is crazy, what you see and what you know. I don’t think I’ll ever understand it.”
“So why should I go back? You said there were two reasons.”
“Yes… I did. You can help my dad and help more people as well. My dad used to ride, you know. He was good at it, actually. Have him join you and Trevor on your Quest.”
“Marc, I appreciate what you’re saying, but I just don’t know. It’s wonderful here, seeing my wife and having the chance to see my son. It would be so hard to go back.”
“I know, and I know Jill said it is up to you. No one would blame you if you stayed. I just wish you wouldn’t… Look, I have to go. No matter what you decide, I appreciate what you and your brother did, and my dad does too.”
They hugged, and Marc stepped away and vanished.
It had been a grueling four weeks since the accident, filled with pain and uncertainty. Bill was the only one left from the Vision Quest group. The three men took turns keeping watch over Brad. The feeling that Bill should stay where he was grew stronger, making it impossible for him to leave. Gathering together for dinner at the Hilton each night became a cherished routine for the trio, reinforcing their friendship.
One evening at dinner, Trevor turned to Bill and said, “Look, why don’t you head home? There is nothing you can do here.
Speaking in a hushed tone, Bill shifted his gaze back and forth between the two men. “Look, guys, I appreciate everything you did for me, but I have nothing really back at Lake Champlain. The hotel job is fine, but it’s not what I want to do. I told them I might be gone for a while. Let me hang around for a few weeks. If nothing changes by then, I’ll head home.”
“Okay, Bill, you’re welcome to stay, of course. Let’s see what happens,” said Trevor.
Trevor was definitely worried about his brother. Day after day, week after week, there had been no change in his condition.
He turned to Roosevelt. “I want to meet with Dr. Mead tomorrow and would like you to be there.”
His response was immediate. “Of course, Trevor, I will be there.”
As they waited for the doctor in his office, Trevor and Roosevelt exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what news they were about to receive. Trevor sighed as he noticed the same family pictures from his first visit. The door creaked as the doctor entered the room. They both started to stand. The doctor typically had a poker face, but this time was different, Trevor immediately knew the news would not be good.
“No, sit,” the doctor said.
“Thanks for meeting with us, Doc, we want an update. What’s the deal with Brad?” Trevor asked.
He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before speaking. “I’m sorry to say that your brother is still in a coma, and there has been no improvement.”
Roosevelt’s deep voice was unusually gentle as he asked, “Doctor, what is his prognosis?”
“I’m sorry Roosevelt, there’s no way of knowing. He could be like this for months, even years, or come out of it tomorrow.”
Trevor found it difficult to process; being a marine, he was accustomed to fixing things. “This is crazy.”
“I understand how you feel, Trevor. This is hard news to take—”
The doctor’s fingers tapped against the smooth surface of a paperweight on his desk. “I think you need to consider how long you want this to go on… does Brad want to live like this?”
Roosevelt’s voice was firm as he reacted quickly to what the doctor said. “But it has only been a few weeks.”
The blood rushed to Trevor’s face, making him feel hot and flustered. “So you think I should pull the plug on my only brother?”
The doctor realized he may have spoken too quickly and backtracked, saying, “No… no, not yet. As Roosevelt said, it’s only been a few weeks. I just want you to think about it. As time goes on, it may be something you want to consider. You’re his only living relative. The decision will be up to you.”
“Well, there’s no way I want to do this anytime soon,” Trevor said after gathering himself. “I’m going to wait.”
Dr. Meade’s mind quieted as he felt a sense of control return. “Of course, I understand. It’s unfortunate you’re faced with a decision like this. We’ll watch Brad closely and hope for the best.”
That night, lying in bed, Trevor prayed again. “It’s me again. It’s down to the wire now. What am I supposed to do? I know Brad doesn’t want to live like this, but I cannot pull the plug now. Please return him to us, I do not want to face this decision.”
After Marc vanished, Bradford was alone. He didn’t know what to make of all of this. It was wonderful to see Jill again, and the thought of being reunited with her and Timmy had an intense pull.
But should he leave Trevor alone? Jill said she thought he had more work to do. Marc wanted him to help his father. Perhaps staying would be a selfish act. Jill did say it was up to him, Jesh, this was all so confusing.
Then, Brad’s father appeared. He looked exactly as he did back in 1975 just before he died of a surprise heart attack. “Dad, you’re here too.”
A smile spread across his face as he replied, “Of course, Bradford, I had to see you. I know this is a lot to digest.”
“That’s for sure. But it’s good to see you. I miss you so much.”
Harold reached out and touched his son’s shoulder. “I’m so proud of you and your brother. You have accomplished so much.”
This made Brad feel wonderful. Back when Pizza Land started, Harold expected Brad to join his law firm, he graduated at the top of his class and passed the bar on his first attempt. Although Harold claimed to accept Brad’s decision, there was an underlying tension he couldn’t shake.
“Dad, I was never sure you accepted my decision.”
“Bradford, I did really, your path was much better than if you joined my firm. Even though you and Trevor have endured more pain than most, you’ve helped people with your Vision Quest. And of that, I am so proud—”
Brad interrupted, “But Dad —”
He stared deep into his son’s eyes. “Let me finish, please. I know you want to stay, be with Jill and Timmy. But there’s more for you to do, son, you and Trevor. Please go back and finish what you started.”
“Dad, I—”
“Son, I have to go. Whatever you decide, I will support you. Always remember, I am proud of you and love you so much.”
Harold faded and replaced by Jill. She was beautiful.
“You’ve decided, haven’t you? I’m so proud of you, honey.”
Brad was surprised. “How did you know?”
“That’s the way it works… I have to go, and so do you. I will see you soon, honey.”
They hugged and kissed a deep kiss. Bradford was content and ready to return to earth.
Trevor was sitting in his favorite chair in Brad’s room, reading the last chapter of Red Storm Raising. He sighed. It had been three weeks since the conversation with the doctor. He closed his eyes, bowed, and said, “God, it’s me again. You are hearing from me more than ever these days. It has been many weeks now. I know Brad does not want to live like this. Please have him wake up. I want him around, and I want to continue with our Quest. I don’t want to face the decision of pulling the plug on him, but if I must, I will.”
He looked up and saw Roosevelt. “Praying again?”
“Yeah, doing that lots these days.”
Bill walked into the room with a few bags from McDonald’s. Smiling broadly, he said. “Lunch time!”
The room filled with the aroma of burgers and fries as he divided out the goodies. Trevor took a bite from his Big Mac. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of movement near Brad’s bed. He stood and rushed over. Brad’s eyes were open and he was looking around the room. His raspy voice was barely audible when he asked Trevor, “How long?”
Trevor turned to the other men.” He’s awake.”
Frantically, he pressed the button to call the nurse.
“Brad, don’t talk. God, I’m glad to see you awake.”
A nurse rushed into the room and noticed Brad was awake, smiling she said, “My God, he’s awake… I’ll page the doctor.”
The other men rushed over to Brad. He repeated. “How Long?”
The loudspeakers crackled to life, and a voice announced, “Dr. Meade needed in room 102 stat.”
“Do not talk, Bradford, we can address that later. Let the doctor have a look at you first.” Roosevelt said.
Everyone was standing around Brad when Dr. Meade rushed into the room, smiling. “So, our patient is awake?”
Everyone stepped aside and the doctor said, “Welcome back. Let’s have a look at you.”
He looked at the machine monitoring Brad’s vital signs, took his pulse and looked at his eyes with a bright light.
“Well, everything looks good. What’s the last thing you remember?”
“Laying in the street looking at Trevor… then nothing.”
Although he saw much more than nothing, he chose to keep it to himself during the doctor’s visit.
“Well, we need to run some tests to be sure, but from what I can see, you are a very lucky man.”
Brad had asked twice and now he repeated his question. “Doc, how long have I been out?”
Dr. Meade had answered this question often from his coma patients. “It’s only been about three months. Believe me, I’ve seen much worse… Well, I’m sure all of you have lots to talk about. The nurse will be in soon to run some of those tests.”
Roosevelt and Trevor approached Brad. Bill stood back to give the three men some space.
“Well, big brother, I’m glad to have you with us again.”
With a weak smile, Brad responded, “Me too. It’s good to be back—”
He turned to Roosevelt, “Roosevelt, it’s good to see you too.”
“Mr. Strand, everyone came to visit you and wish you well. They will be thrilled to hear you are okay.”
Bradford thought about everything that transpired while he was in his coma. He had no doubt what happened was real, he never doubted it for a second. But, how and even if he would explain this to everyone remained to be seen.
Bradford was sitting up in his bed, sipping from a straw. He had just finished eating his meal of chicken broth, Jello, and cottage cheese. “Man, I’ll be glad when I can have a steak and a beer.”
“The Doctor said it would be a few weeks. When that day comes, we will have a feast.” Roosevelt said.
Bradford considered keeping his experience to himself, reluctant to share the details. He found it difficult to convey his thoughts, as he was still grappling with understanding everything. He did know they were going to continue the Vision Quest.
Roosevelt and Bill left the room, and Bradford found himself alone with his brother. He then realized he needed to tell Trevor what happened, so he took a moment to gather his thoughts.
Before he could speak, Trevor said, “I was really worried about you, big brother, I was afraid I would lose you.”
“Yeah, I know … “He took a breath, “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Trevor could sense there was something serious going on. “What’s that?
Brad explained as best he could… how he observed what happened in the hospital room and all of the people who talked to him and that Marc wanted Bill to join the Quest. He also told Trevor he heard him pray.
Trevor was shocked, “So you heard all of that?”
“Yes… Yes, I did.”
“Holy shit.”
“I know, it’s crazy. I also understand how you feel about me being at fault for the limo accident—”
Trevor interrupted, “Brad, no I —“
“Let me finish, I know how you feel, and I also know you have reconciled everything too.”
In a soft low voice, Trevor said. “I felt terrible feeling how I did… it would just enter my mind, I had no control over it… but now I got it. Almost losing you… well, I don’t feel that way anymore.”
Trevor stood, bent over his brother in bed, and hugged him. “This situation is closed as far as I’m concerned,” Brad said. “Let’s move on.”
After some brief silence, Trevor said. “So you talked to everyone, and they’re all fine.”
“Yes.”
“And Jill and Laura really are watching us, like you said… and the Quest, we keep going, right?”
Brad responded, “Yep. We keep going.”
Trevor smiled. “Sorry, this is just so much to take in.”
With his serious look, Brad said, “Tell me about it. Look, keep this between ourselves, for now, it’s too complicated to explain.”
“You want Bill to join us, though, right, we need to tell him something.”
“Yeah, but not now. I need time to think about that.”
“Okay, big brother, deal. I’ll leave the next steps up to you—”
Roosevelt and Bill entered the room. “Are we interrupting you, gentlemen?” Roosevelt asked.”
“No.” Trevor said. “But we have some big news, we’re going to continue the Vision Quest… as soon as Brad is up to it of course.”
Bill was thrilled. “That’s great news. I’m so happy to hear that.”
Roosevelt beamed. “Boys, I am very proud of you… but before you start the Quest again, I want both of you to take time off, a week or two at least. We have a Lear Jet after all. You can go anywhere you like.”
“Roosevelt, I see why Dad hired you many years ago,” Bradford said. “Trevor, where should we go?”
Thanks for reading the last part of Helping Bradford. For more information about Vision Quest click here. This is the end of Season One, and I am going to take a break from writing Vision Quest and focus on shorter stories for a while.
Let me know what you thought of the First Season.
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An inspirational story, Scott. It gives us real insight about YOU, about your beliefs and your own love of family. Excellent.