03.06.18 A couple of weeks ago, Brad Smith was involved in a automobile accident on North RR 620 in SW Travis County, Austin, Texas. His car was struck as a truck, coming the other direction - lost control, crossed over the center lane and struck Brad's vehicle. The driver who struck Brad was a 54 year-old, man who sadly passed away at the scene.
Brad was transported to the closest Level 2, trauma center to receive treatment for a skull-fracture/trauma, brain hemorrhage and other injuries. The night of the accident and in the initial hours that followed, the doctors did not seem optimistic. Brad was on a ventilator and unconscious.
And thus began a journey and a tale of Brad's eclat as a loving father, devoted husband, beloved neighbor and friend to all. His family and friends began to pray. His wife Carolyn and high-school daughter, Mary Grace, rarely left his side. Brad's son, Will - a freshman in college- held his hand and talked with him. Will read to Brad - the names of all 650 people who were canvassing the Smith's in prayer. Did the prayers work? Perhaps - or more likely our loving God, the source of all love....replied. A mere day at the office for him :)
Whatever the case - Brad (in typical Brad fashion) turned a major corner. By the next morning, we heard terms like, "guardedly optimistic." The next days brought, "Brad is recovering and doing well - reason to be encouraged." Finally, Team-Smith changed the playbook to prayers of thanks as we heard, "expected to make a full recovery."
Brad has an arduous path ahead. There will be a lot of physical therapy and a fight back to a full recovery. However, thankfully - that is the prognosis indeed. Having the pleasure of knowing Brad (and the Smith fam) for 16 years, this is no surprise. Brad is THAT GUY who is always visible and present. He has been at every school party, field day, field trip, school dance clean-up crew. You name it! No wonder God thought that he should hang out for a bit -the guy is down-right helpful and so dear to us all.
A care calendar is set-up to help the Smith's with the burden of meal planning for a few weeks. Hopefully this respite will provide much needed time for each of them to catch their breath and feel the love.
Carolyn asked me to relay that they are all beyond grateful for so much care and concern.
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