Larry Johnson

Kathryn Lowe Bradford

Then Now

Home: 320 Scotts Creek Place
Hermitage, TN 37076

Bio:

Dear Classmates,

How delightful to hear from just the ones of you who have written so far! I must say, I am as impressed with you and intimated by you today as I was back then. Coming from a small Iowa town to begin Lipscomb as a Junior was not an easy thing for me. I thought some of you seemed too smart, some of you seemed too good, and some of you seemed too fast and Denny Loyd scarred me for life! I never felt like I found my place at DLHS but looking back is still sweet. (Of course, it is my contention that all children should have the experience of growing up during the 50's‑ 60's!)

Following graduation, I spent 1 year at Freed-Hardeman College but returned to DLC the summer of 64 and graduated in 1967 with a degree in Sociology. I was very happy at DLC and had lots of friends and fun, especially after I became involved in the drama program. Following graduation in June ‘67, I had a 6-week teaching career and then became a social worker at the state psychiatric hospital in October '67. I have worked in and around mental health my entire career.

I was married in 1969 to Joe Bradford, Jenny's brother. It was a marriage that never should have been but we hung in there for 14 years. We divorced in 1984. We did do a couple of good things. Their names are Jonathan, born in 1971 and Amy, born in 1974. They were 9 and 11 when I became the full‑time provider for them. The following years were spent with my nose to the grindstone, better known as public service. We lived in rural Dickson County for 10 years during the children’s growing up years. I had extended family there. Both chose to go to college at DLU in 1990 and 1992.

I returned to Nashville in 1992 and began working 2 jobs. This would last for 7 years until I was totally depleted. So, in 1999, I quit both my jobs, sold my house and moved to Arizona for a year of rest. Those of you who went to DLC know Diana Watson...she has a house in the White Mountains in the northeastern part of the state (Show Low) that easily was converted into a duplex which we shared. I loved Arizona and hope to live there at least part of each year when I retire. In December, 1999, I returned to Tennessee state employment and will be here a while longer.

I returned from Arizona still dragging and was eventually diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in May, 2001. It has been a life altering disease for me. I had 3 very bad years and in 2002 bought a house near Carole in Mt. Juliet since she provided some of my care. I am much better now (and don't need Carole!) and enjoy my 2 cats, my single state, my friends, the arts, theater, and books. Family takes much of my energy...our parents are still alive so between them, children and grandchildren life is busy. I like shopping too much, food too much, and my 2 grandchildren a whole lot. Mackenzie is 4 and Ben is 2 months. Both my children live nearby. Amy just bought her first house in Nashville. Jonathan and his wife, Katie, and children live in Springfield. Both my children are faithful Christians. Life is good!

In spite of some hardships, life has been an interesting and challenging journey. God has never failed me and has taught me so much! I’ve met some incredible people, had some enthralling discussions, done some good work, and actually resolved some of my issues along the way. I have not learned any lessons by anyone else’s experiences insisting, instead, to suffer all the pain and agony myself. With that, also, came some victories.

Carole and I were never very much alike and we have certainly not had like lives. Her life has been very stable, mostly calm, and orderly; mine has been messy, stormy, and disorderly! I wonder as we age, she more than I, if we will ever mediate any. Maybe, since I am too tired to have many messy storms these days!

I wish for all of you long years, good memories, and a merciful God!

Kathryn

Last updated: September 2005