The Shepherd

Calm, soothing and watchful; a shepherd leads his flock with a careful eye. He scans the perimeter looking for danger and providing protection with shelter and love.

A shepherd stands before his flock fiercer than a proud lion, but humble as a gentle dove. He seeks out the weaknesses of his lambs in order to make them stronger - and he sometimes falls back and lets them take the lead in order to embrace their independence and strength.

Most of all, he studies his herd; his eye sharp as an eagle, his care spanning the immensity of the oceanic skies. It is endless, ubiquitous, and infinitesimal all at the same time. His guidance reaches across the lands, valleys, and hills - but still doesn’t miss the attention that is needed close to home.

He mourns for you, but leaves you space to grieve; He smiles with you, but gives you freedom to spread joy, he sets a perimeter for discipline, but allows you the time to find the lesson.

A shepherd is an ever-watching eye, but he stands back in order to help his sheep find their way.

There are times when he encounters sleepless nights, in order to allow you to rest. He sheds tears of pain so that you may shower in the elation of joy. His heart breaks each time you shed a tear, but he knows it is only a passage to you growing into who you are.

A shepherd is a hero disguised as a servant; ever watchful and swift as a panther, but keeping an eye to fulfilling your needs.

A shepherd cannot rest until he finds his missing sheep; persistent in his duties, humble in his care. If a leader surges forward to break down the barriers, then a shepherd leads and follows to help you find your way.

We met a great shepherd, when we met Tom Bradbury. Protective guidance for his sheep - culminated into encouraging guidance and kindness for his friends.

A good shepherd, it is said, never leaves his sheep - and a good friend lives in the hearts of those he touches for eternity.

As a literary family, we have lost a shining light radiating understanding and encouragement throughout; but at the same time, we will never stop shinning the light he helped us find within ourselves. Persistent, protective, encouraging and kind, our good shepherd has not left his flock, he only steps back allowing us to step forward and find our way. That will never die and that is what keeps the elements of how a person touches your life fresh and beautiful like a spring flower in the morning dew.

You will be missed, but you are always present in the hearts of those you guided. Rest well good shepherd and be at peace.

This is dedicated to Tom Bradbury, a true inspiration who will be greatly missed by his literary family and beyond. Rest well.