Prayers For Brad

Written on December 20, 2016

In the fall of 1992, I was a scrawny high school student sitting behind the light board for the Newman Smith Theatre production of Street Scene. I was part of the theatre tech team behind the scenes while several of my more thespian skilled friends were on stage. The cast included my best friend, Brad Dunn.

The Saturday shows had run smoothly and a Sunday afternoon performance was a fitting wrap-up to my first official weekend of high school theatre. The show was running on schedule that afternoon --- the actors hit their cues while the set changes, lights and props were all according to script.

And then it happened.

With several actors already in the middle of the second act, a prominent character failed to make his entrance. A pivotal piece of the story had gone missing with Brad and others already in character on stage. As we realized the gravity of the situation, my headset was abuzz with conversation between the stage managers trying to figure out where our missing cast mate had gone. It was a drama playing out among actors and technicians unbeknownst to the viewing audience.

Once it became clear what was happening, Brad and the rest of the actors expertly fell back on their training and improvised the rest of the scene on the spot. It was remarkable to sit in that light booth watching Brad and others cooly adapt to the unfortunate circumstances in front of a packed house. It was a firsthand reminder that the old theatre adage "the show must go on" requires the courage and support of many whether on or off stage.

Brad and I enjoyed other pursuits during those years including Texas Rangers baseball, youth group shenanigans and probably too much teasing of his sister and her friends. Sorry, Leslie (and Jessica, Krystal, Kami, etc)!!! More importantly, Brad lead the Bible study that resulted in my baptism. Along with my family, Brad and the rest of the Dunns played an instrumental part in some of the most formative years of my life.

Flash forward 20+ years and time has changed many things. I am 41 and married with three kids. Many of my school friends have experienced similar stages in their lives. Some still live close while others have scattered across the country or globe. Each of us carry our own set of new responsibilities along with many special memories.

And Brad is very sick.

I am not a doctor but I know that Brad's body is facing many serious health challenges based on the updates that have been shared. I also know that this is not the script any of us would have written as young, goofy high school kids twenty years ago.

Brad and I haven't hung out at his parents in a long time. We haven't teased his sister or stayed up all night in a college dorm in forever either. But though the miles between us may have changed, the memories haven't faded.

I sincerely pray for strength for Brad, his family, doctors and friends. And I ask each of you to keep Brad and his family in your prayers. They can use all the support we can give right now.

I know Brad is strong and quite capable of dealing with challenging, unexpected circumstances. I saw it with my own eyes sitting behind a light board over twenty years ago.