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Over Easter 2007, our family and friends took a trip up to Lake Mulwala. This wasn't the normal family trip that was full of excitement. I think many people, including myself, were dreading the experience of scattering Brad's ashes. Dad believed that it was time as he was sensing that Brad was getting restless in his shed!
There were no set plans, mum had a few poems she wanted read out (see below) and there were some songs that we wanted played. At sunset on Saturday 7th April, we decided that the time was right to say our final goodbye to Brad.
SEE BRADLEY’S SETTING OF THE SUN
By Kenny Peake
As the river drifts on by
Hush I hear the red gums sigh
Softly as the waters run
See its Bradley’s setting sun
Where the Murray bank lie brown
And the sun has now gone down
See it is his peaceful scene
On the rivers edge of green
No more will you cast a line
In the weather wet or fine
For you are now a river’s part
Caught into the Murray’s heart
On tomorrow when we stare
We will feel you presence there
And the bonds of rivers stream
You will ever more its dream
As the river drifts on by
The gums with us will cry
At the setting of his sun
Bradley’s where
“All The Rivers Run”
“finis” Ken Peake
OF ALL OF US HE WAS A PART
By Kenny Peake
Many sharp and many ills
Are woven in our frame
And each of us lives our wills
Yet family love conquers shame
Our circle is more tighter held
By the smiles we all adorn
Upon our faces every day
Yet man is made to mourn
Who knows the hidden depths of woe
That each soul has to bear
But it is useless to place blame
Just love each other – Care
His life had worth – Find it
It is hidden in your heart
And place no fault at other’s door
Of all of us he was a part
So now his soul has found it’s rest
He sleeps from pain and woe
And you have strength you will find
A strength you did not know
Just say each day to yourself
Our son Bradley was born
And now he sleeps his souls at peace
So man was made to mourn
I really felt for my family who were hurting, especially while we played the first song that mum requested. Seeing mum rest her head on dad's shoulder and break down, seeing him gently wrap his arm around her shoulders in response - really broke my heart. But it was a sign of the love and support that they have for each other and have had to rely on since Brad's death
I remember my sister and I trying to sing through tears as we listened to Guns n Roses' song Patience. It was very hard, but I was glad Anthony was there for support. Thanks also to his daughter, Rebecca, who managed to take some photos through her tears. They never knew Brad but were all there for Amy and I and I will never forget that.
As the music continued to play, Dad and his two brothers - Peter and Graham - got into the boat to scatter Brad's ashes further out from shore. None of us knew whether to laugh or cry when the boat got stuck and wouldn't budge from the shore.
Matt Holliway came to the rescue in his red shirt and gave the boat a push, only to nearlly knock dad (who was still standing) overboard as the boat took off. We laughted and said that was Brad having his last laugh! I think we could all picture him having a good old belly laugh at that!
Once they got the boat out, they continued their journey to find the right spot. The music continued to play songs that meant something to us. We watched through tears. I don't know what was going on through dad's mind out there on the water.
They stopped the boat and my gaze was directed to a small fishing boat that was passing by our boat. I wondered what they were thinking; whether they would piece together that the people on the shoreline with candles and music playing and the boat out in the water nearby were connected. That we were in fact in the middle of a private ceremony. I felt they were intruding as they stopped nearby to watch what was happening.
Then I realised that all these thoughts were an attempt to distract me from the fact that Brad was gone. I couldn't watch what was happening in our boat and it was easier to get annoyed by these harmless bypasses who had probably stopped out of respect for us because their boat was noisy. I never saw Brad enter the water but was concerned for my dad and his brothers our there. I don't think I could have done it and I have the upmost respect for them.
It was a quiet evening that night. We had a few drinks and many distracted themselves by the footy playing on the tv (thanks to Dave's generator). Others sat around the campfire or went to bed early. I was extremely saddened by the reminder that my brother was gone for good, but I was glad that he was at last really free. I had a few quiet drinks for him, as I sat in silence watching the flames dance around the log. My appearance was quiet, but my mind was busy with thoughts and images from the past.
