2011 has proven to be a tough year for me and my family. On December 29th my father passed away, a loss I’m still struggling to cope with. I spent New Years Eve on a red eye flying across the country with two children under 2.5 by myself in order to come home and bury my father. Sadly on Saturday my cousin Brad passed away and we are all digging deep as be begin to grieve yet another premature loss.
Brad was such an amazing person and he will be missed desperately. He was the epitome of the perfect Krug (my mom’s maiden name). He was competitive, a bit stubborn, a little loud, always the life of the party and someone everyone wanted to be friends with. Just take a look at his facebook page and all the love that came pouring out over the last few days. He has touched so many people and certainly did not leave this earth without leaving his mark.
Brad’s passing has been devastating to me. I spoke with him just hours before and now there is so much I wish I had said. I wish I taken more time to talk to him that day. Brad and I were making plans to meet up in Nashville when I was there to run my marathon. He even thought about running the half as part of his triathlon training for his race in June. As my running friends will tell you there is a connection you make with fellow athletes the moment you meet them and discover they too are a like you. I am so happy that I was able to have that with Brad. I just know he would have done amazing on his triathlon.
Of all the things Brad was I was most impressed by how dedicated a father he was. Brad told me back in March of last year about his expectant bundle of joy. I was in my last month of pregnancy with Isabella so we talked frequently about our babies on the way. I was so impressed by all the research he had done. Foods I shouldn’t eat, what to expect during each trimester and even morning sickness remedies. He keep us updated with sonogram pictures and Kristie’s progress and when Carson finally arrived in October he was such a proud father. He would send picture updates almost daily. He couldn’t stop talking about everything Carson was doing and how fast he was growing.
Carson, as you grow and get older and learn about your daddy I hope you know how much he loved you. You were his whole world and I know he is watching over you right now.
For those of you who are friends and family of Brad, please take a few moments and leave a guest comment in memory of him.
http://www.northsidechapel.com/
- Brad and Carson
In Loving Memory of
Harold Bradford Krug
May 8, 1983 – March 27, 2011
Baby Brad
Brad and his sister Kelly
Brad sleeping with Carson
Darcey, Brad & I
Brad, Carson, Aunt Donna, Kelly & TJ
Uncle Bill, Aunt Marge, Kristie, Carson, Brad, Kelly & TJ
6 comments
Stacy says:
March 30, 2011 at 3:16 am (UTC 0)
Such a beautiful post Jacqs. Reading it makes me more proud to be a part of this loving and supportive family and I know Uncle Bill, Kelly and the rest of the clan will appreciate your kind words.
Erica Sara says:
March 30, 2011 at 4:26 am (UTC 0)
I am so, so sorry for your devastating loss. You are your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Anita says:
March 30, 2011 at 1:06 pm (UTC 0)
Beautifully written, Jacqi. I am so incredibly sorry for the losses that your family has had. You are all in my prayers.
Edward Wynn says:
March 30, 2011 at 2:25 pm (UTC 0)
Brad was my fraternity brother and close friend. I can’t express how hard the news of his passing has hit not just me, but all of his brothers and friends who loved him. I have communicated the news of his passing, funeral information, and the details of how to make a donation to Carson’s college fund to our alumni. He will never be forgotten and always be missed until that wonderful day when we see him again.
RIP Brad.
Edward Wynn
Uncle Bill says:
June 9, 2011 at 5:53 pm (UTC 0)
Jacqi,
I just came across this site today and was so touched and blown away by what you have said about Brad. He was sooo special and I miss him so very much. I just have to hope Uncles John & Sam and Pops are looking after him in the hereafter.
We have had too many sad and challenging moments these past 2 years. The Lord has tested are faith but we are passing his test.
I love you and so proud to be your Uncle.
Kristin Kuehnert says:
August 9, 2011 at 4:23 am (UTC 0)
I just heard of Brad’s passing. I was looking into the upcoming Milton HS Class of ’01 reunion and saw the notice they posted. I am so sorry. Brad and I were always in the same homeroom, and sat together at graduation — the last names always had us sitting close to each other. We both wondered if our HR teacher would remember how to pronounce our names even after 4 years of HR together. I remember getting ready to walk for graduation, talking about our plans…. we were just long term acquaintances, but he always made me smile. I was looking forward to catching up with him, talking about the past ten years and how holy crap, we’re adults, when did that happen?! He will be missed. The pictures of him and his son are precious. I am so sorry for your loss.
- k