Got some tough news this morning...like I needed anymore.

[John Schmidt]

My youngest stepson, Brad Doran, died yesterday about 6:00am from a sudden heart attack. They were unable to revive him, was only 57 or 58. He had never had any heart problems in the past but has lived a rather rich and full life. I feel badly for his wife Wendy, lovely gal, the two worked hard to provide a life for themselves. He had no children, lived in the Largo, FL area for many years. The last picture I have of him has him sitting on the edge of the bed playing his guitar and singing to his mom...my wife, Rita, while she was still alive.

I've said it before and will say it again....2019 has been a very difficult year for all of us. I personally could not have made it through on my own power, especially with this latest blow. Brad had a goatee, only hair he had on his head, and could play a mean guitar. I used to call him ZZ Top jr., was my favorite of Rita's three kids and still dressed like a hippie. I've only seen him wear shoes in place of sandals maybe a half dozen times in the last 20 years. Tough loss....

[mello dude]

Sending my condolences and prayers, very sorry for your loss.

[DDT (12)]

John,

Dang, dude! Well, at least this year is finally drawing to a close for ya... Hope next year is far better... and that our paths cross once again.

DDT

[Daniel Meyer]

My condolences.

[old2soon]

        Prayers up from The Missouri Ozarks John for You and Family. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sorry to hear John. Like a Bruce said, may 2020 bring many good things.

[Willow]

I have thoughts that occur to me that shouldn't be shared regarding John's stepchildren pushing him out of his home for monetary selfishness.

I'm sorry the young man is gone and that his family is suffering his loss.

[John Schmidt]

I have thoughts that occur to me that shouldn't be shared regarding John's stepchildren pushing him out of his home for monetary selfishness.

I'm sorry the young man is gone and that his family is suffering his loss.

Believe me, I have them as well. But, forgiveness is of the utmost importance. If not by them, it has to be for me otherwise I'd carry that burden the rest of my days and I feel it would affect my final destination. I've chosen to put it behind me, I've kept the eldest appraised of my venture with the cancer treatment and he did respond in a positive manner. I pray one day I will be able to reconnect with them, a 30 yr. relationship is difficult to throw away. But for now, I'll stay my distance except to express sorrow in the death of their brother.

[Willow]

Believe me, I have them as well. But, forgiveness is of the utmost importance. If not by them, it has to be for me otherwise I'd carry that burden the rest of my days and I feel it would affect my final destination. I've chosen to put it behind me, I've kept the eldest appraised of my venture with the cancer treatment and he did respond in a positive manner. I pray one day I will be able to reconnect with them, a 30 yr. relationship is difficult to throw away. But for now, I'll stay my distance except to express sorrow in the death of their brother.

Forgiveness is important more for the forgiver than for the forgiven.

My thought was that karma is a bitch.  Sometimes our willingness to wrong someone else for our own long term benefit turns out to not be so.

[f6gal]

Sincere condolences John. 

My initial reaction was much like Willow's.  Unfortunately, though, loss of a loved one is often more difficult if you're not on good terms.  Forgiveness is important for the soul.

[JimC]

John,
You have had a rough go this last couple of years. I hope 2020 and beyond is much better to you.

Still looking forward to meeting you in person, we should do it in the next couple weeks.
I will be headed to Florida for January and February, so check your schedule.

Jim
2six2 441O333

[Pappy!]

John, you know well where I stand on the step kids. Never knew about this one and he sounded like he had a good head on his shoulders. Am sorry he passed.
However....am way happier that you have taken care of your health issues and now have a much better future ahead for you.
You deserve it.

[Bigwolf]

John,
Sorry for your loss

[John Schmidt]

Sincere condolences John. 

My initial reaction was much like Willow's.  Unfortunately, though, loss of a loved one is often more difficult if you're not on good terms.  Forgiveness is important for the soul.

Yes Connie, my first reaction was similar. But I had to step back for a time and remember the good times he and I had, he lived with Rita and me for about six months a few years back. It was good! Overall, I feel the entire situation is driven by Rita's daughter more than her two boys. The day after Rita passed I overheard her talking to the bank to find out where her mother had the papers(will, prenup, etc.) stored. That was a hard pill to swallow. As I stated....I can forgive, forget...no!

To everyone I thank you for your thoughts and well wishes. I know full well I'm not the only one that has gone through tough times, just seems like this year has been exceptionally rough....overwhelming at times. Looking forward to a new year and new beginnings. 

[Skinhead]

Sorry for your loss(es) this year John.  Fortunately 2019 is just about in the can.  Wishing you a much better 2020.

[MarkT]

Best to you John.  Sorry for your loss.  Here's to next year being much better.  Mark

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Well, John, the past year or couple of years definitely hasn't been overly easy for you, that's for sure. The fact that you are mourning for your step son definitely says a lot about your character and who you are as a person. I'd like to say that I'd feel the same way, but I'm not 100% sure I would.

I'm sorry for your loss, and I hope that 2020 has some better stories attached to it this time next year.

[henry 008]

Best to you John.  Sorry for your loss.  Here's to next year being much better.  Mark

+1

[Charlie McCready]

Hate to learn this John. I know you cared a lot for your wife's family.  As others have said I hope 2020 is much better for you. Hope to see you in Asheville this year.

[TJ]

My condolences....

[Farside]

 John,
   I'm very sorry to hear of your Step son unexpected passing. I'm near his age and like him in pretty good shape with no issues so sure makes one wonder. It is a powerful thing to forgive and you sound relived as you should be. I agree that it is a stress off of you keeping those negetive feelings free from your heart. Keep it up.....    See you in Asheville. 

[Serk]

crap.



You need a LOOOOOONG run of good luck/ good news my friend..... You've earned it.

[DGS65]

Very sorry for your loss!  Hopefully in a few weeks you can put 2019 behind you and have a much better 2020.

[3fan4life]

Believe me, I have them as well. But, forgiveness is of the utmost importance. If not by them, it has to be for me otherwise I'd carry that burden the rest of my days and I feel it would affect my final destination. I've chosen to put it behind me, I've kept the eldest appraised of my venture with the cancer treatment and he did respond in a positive manner. I pray one day I will be able to reconnect with them, a 30 yr. relationship is difficult to throw away. But for now, I'll stay my distance except to express sorrow in the death of their brother.

Forgiveness is important more for the forgiver than for the forgiven.

My thought was that karma is a bitch.  Sometimes our willingness to wrong someone else for our own long term benefit turns out to not be so.

Sincere condolences John. 

My initial reaction was much like Willow's.  Unfortunately, though, loss of a loved one is often more difficult if you're not on good terms.  Forgiveness is important for the soul.

Everything that they said.

Sincere condolences John. 

My initial reaction was much like Willow's.  Unfortunately, though, loss of a loved one is often more difficult if you're not on good terms.  Forgiveness is important for the soul.

Yes Connie, my first reaction was similar. But I had to step back for a time and remember the good times he and I had, he lived with Rita and me for about six months a few years back. It was good! Overall, I feel the entire situation is driven by Rita's daughter more than her two boys. The day after Rita passed I overheard her talking to the bank to find out where her mother had the papers(will, prenup, etc.) stored. That was a hard pill to swallow. As I stated....I can forgive, forget...no!

To everyone I thank you for your thoughts and well wishes. I know full well I'm not the only one that has gone through tough times, just seems like this year has been exceptionally rough....overwhelming at times. Looking forward to a new year and new beginnings. 

You are 110% correct.

Actions do speak louder than words, your patience, grace and wisdom speaks volumes.

I sincerely hope to meet you in Ashville this summer.