Apologies for my sudden (and continuing) absence here. Late on Wednesday night (9/11!), I received a phone call from my mother regarding my otherwise-ridiculously healthy 80-year old father…
After waking up at 6am that morning to play 18 holes of golf with mom on the same day — all without a problem or complaint — my dad, later in the evening, suffered a very serious stroke. A pretty massive brain hemorrhage, in fact. Largely out of nowhere…just two days or so after they’d finished a month-long road trip around much of the Western portion of the country. As I said, he — and she — are otherwise absurdly active and healthy.
An all-night drive through the desert brought us to his bedside just after dawn, where we’ve largely been since. He is receiving top-notch medical care, is still on a ventilator, sedated, and largely unconscious, though displaying a number of potentially encouraging signs for someone who has experienced such a serious trauma to the brain.
This is largely my first moment back on “the grid” as we’ve been dealing with this crisis, but I wanted to quickly jump on here to explain my (and Desi’s) sudden and unavoidable disappearance.
It’s still too early to know which way all of this goes, and how long it may take to get there. For the moment, we are unspeakably grateful to Nicole Sandler and Angie Coiro for agreeing to leap in to action here to fill in for us on The BradCast in the immediate moment. We’ve temporarily suspended production of Green News Report for the first time in its 10+ year history (on the verge of our 1000th episode, which had been expected in the next month or two). But, for the moment, we have little choice.
We hope to return to full production as soon as possible. But the truth is, at this hour, we don’t actually know what is possible and what is not. So, thank you for your patience, your kind support of our heroic guest hosts Nicole and Angie, filling in for as long as they are able to pull double-duty, and for your understanding until we can regain our sea-legs amid our own confusion and disorientation as Dad, hopefully, somehow, regains his health if it is medically possible.
I don’t frequently share personal information publicly, but felt it was important to do so, so you’d understand why we, uncharacteristically and unhappily, have had to disappear here for a bit. We look forward to returning, though can’t yet know when or how. Please keep fighting the good fight out there on our behalf, as we fight for my Dad and Mom here.
Here’s a worthwhile page regarding stroke symptoms that is worth reviewing, since quick action may save your life or that of a loved one. My Dad’s own wherewithal to call 911 in the early moments may ultimately prove to have saved his life. But we’ll see.
Please hug your loved ones for us. Or just get out there and enjoy the hell out of the day. They are always numbered.
— Brad (and Desi by proxy)
UPDATE 9/30/2019: My father has passed away. More details now here…
Hoping for the best for your and yours Brad & Desi.
“for you and yours”
So many blessings to you and Des and your mother and especially your father, Brad. Thinking good healing thoughts.
I know what you’re going through, Brad. Stay strong. My love to you.
Brad – So sorry to hear what you’re going through. It’s so difficult when our parents have serious health issues. Your Dad sounds like a fighter and I hope he’ll pull through. Sending you healing wishes.
Brad and Desi, I’m so sorry this has happened. Here’s hoping your dad makes a speedy recovery. As for your wonderful guest hosts, Nicole and Angie, they’ve been great! Everyone is enjoying their podcasts. Just take a breath and take your time. Your fans will all be here when you return. *hugs* to you both!
Best wishes, hoping for the best
My thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery for your dad.
What shocking news, Brad. Please know we’re thinking of you & sending wishes for your father’s recovery. This is so hard. Your work is so important. But it you need your wholeheartedness for it. Right now that quality is fully with your father and your family.
Take care of your family, and anything you have to do. Sending good vibes to you and your folks. Take as long as you have to, I am certain that everyone will understand.
Sending Prayers for your Dad’s recovery and for your Mom, you and the rest of your family. He can have a good recovery once he’s through the worst and brain injury rehab centers can work wonders. You need to be with your family and we’ll be very happy to see you back when things stabilize. Meanwhile, thanks very much to your “fill in” crew!
Brad-
Best wishes to your dad and the family. It is good that you can all be together.
Sending positive energy for your father’s recovery and wishing strength and patience to you and your mom while your Dad’s brain heals.
You are our Warrior For Justice And Truth, Brad.
But at times like this, we are reminded that some things are just more important than others, PERIOD.
Your fans and followers would WANT YOU to take as long as it takes for things to become stable again in your personal life.
Here’s wishing you and your family the best results in this time of crisis, however long it takes.
WE LOVE YOU, BRAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you both for everything that you do. I’m sure that your parents have been proud for years of your untiring efforts to make our world a better place.
Take as much time as you need, Brad and Desi. I’ll be here when you return.
Good thoughts for you and family! Looking to the 4 directions for your strength!
Thanks for letting us know and hope everything works out
Thanks for letting us know. Hope everything works out
My mom had a stroke when she was 83. It was seriously disturbing to see the perfect mom machine break down out of nowhere like that.
Best of luck!
Brad & Desi,
I been where you are now (with two family members) so I mean it when I say I am cheering for you and your family. Take NOTHING for granted.
Best of Luck to your whole family.
Both Angie Coiro and I let Brad and Desi know we’re here to hold down the fort for them as long as necessary. Thanks for bearing with all of us!
Nicole Sandler
Family has to come first, so no worries out here in Radioland. We’ll still be here when you return. The show is in good hands during your absence.
Brad,
Our prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.
Thank you for all that you do and the best of luck to your Dad!
We�ve had differences but some things are more important than politics. Best wishes to you and your family and for a speedy recovery for your Dad.
Wishing for the best. Remember to breath. Thanks for great subs. And, know we are patiently sending love for as long as needed.
Much love, Brad, and our moments.
I hope that your family and friend in the Missouri area can provide you support during this time. Best of thoughts to dad, take care Brad.
Twenty-eight commenters before me – including Nicole Sandler of course – have pretty much beaten me to anything I could have said, Bradley, so all of my best! We’ll try to muddle through without y’all, on the temporary that is.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Wish you trip to Arizona was on a more happy note, and we will all be here in podcast land when you are back. Take care. ~from Tucson, AZ
We’re all here. Hang in there guys!
So sorry to hear about your dad. It’s always a shock when a healthy and vital person is devastated by a medical catastrophe. I’m glad that he’s in good hands and has you by his side.
Best wishes for a full recovery. Remember to take care of yourself. You’re no good to him if you are in poor shape yourself.
Dear Brad and Desi as well as Mr and Mrs Brad
Sending warm wishes for health wealth and happiness and well-being in your future.
Sincere best wishes to you and yours Tim
Godspeed.
Brad, Desi
Love and miss you both and the times we shared. The best to you and your parents. Would be fun to hear your voice again. Life is precious and enjoy each day. You are important in our lives and keeps us going.
Dear Brad and Desi – I am SO sorry to hear about your father. My condolences to you and your family and especially to your mother. I am happy that your dad was living a full life up until this happened. My dad died of the same thing. He survived for two miserable weeks after the stroke until he mercifully passed away. Losing a parent is so traumatic, even when you are an adult. Sending hugs XOXO
Brad and Desi, I’m so very sorry to hear about your Dad. Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we go through in life, and unfortunately is a common bond of sorrow that we all experience. My thoughts are with you and your family.
My condolences to you and your family Brad.
As someone whose parents died long, lingering, and painful deaths, I’m glad that your father didn’t suffer that way. Quicker is definitely better if you have to go at all.