It has been five months since Nancy Wilkerson’s husband Brad passed away of an unexpected heart attack at the age of 33. The Ocala, Florida couple had been married just over eight years, worked together in the family’s trailer business, and had a son together. Despite the tragedy, Nancy has continued showing and is able to use the horse shows to help with her healing. Nancy and her mare, Huntin A Cowboy, were Amateur Western Pleasure circuit champions at the tough March To The Arch.
We would like to thank Nancy for opening up to us about what her life has been like since Brad’s death and what she has learned through this tragedy. Her strength and courage is remarkable and she attributes much of it to her horse show friends as well as her parents, Stanley and Susan Scott.
How did you and Brad meet?
Brad and I went to high school together. We were great friends all through high school and remained friends through college. He went to Florida state and I went Alabama. We managed to continue our friendship through college and began dating in 1998 and we were married on September 16th, 2000. I truly believe I married the love of my life and my best friend.
After Brad passed away, what do you remember during the first 30 days immediately following?
I remember feeling shock. I remember having fears of being a single parent and facing the world without Brad. But what I remember the most is the love and support of good friends and good family. It is sad to go through such tragedy. Tragedy in my family was something you read about it never happens to you. I have learned to see the good around me everyday!! I have also learned that time does not heal but it does help you cope with a new way of life.
You decided not to show at the World Show. What other things in your life did you or have you put on hold?
Yes, I did miss the World Show, but going through such a crisis put so many things in perspective. I can go to the World Show another time (hopefully this year works out). I don’t know if I put things on hold. Our lives just changed completely. We try to focus on the positive every day.
[NPI]/Media/4/jpg/2009/4/Scott3.jpg[/NPI]Does it help to talk about it? How do you want the people around you to act?
It definitely helps to talk about. Brad was our life. We miss him dearly and love to smile about our memories together as a family. One question in the beginning I learned to hate was, “How are you doing?” Now I understand. I noticed when I returned to work and “normal life” that people tipped toed around me for fear of upsetting me. It only made it harder to try to face life. One thing I look for is normalcy again. And to keep the memories alive of Brad as a good husband, father, son and brother and most of all my best friend.
What role have the horses and your horse show friends played in the past 5 months?
Horse shows have been a great source of comfort for me. I love the people, they are another whole family for me. It also gives me ample time for me to spend with my parents they are amazing and are great source of comfort. They are wonderful mentors, best friends and most of all great Grammy and Grumpy to Luke. Without good friends and family I would not be who I am today nor would Luke. Thanks for my circle of horse show family, I love you all.
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How is Luke?
Luke is truly a blessing, he gets me up everyday. He misses his daddy, obviously. He teaches me everyday how special life is and how not to take the good around you for granted. Thank God for my little boy!
What have you learned in all of this?
I have learned so much.
Daylight follows darkness
Life is fragile
Life is not how you survive the storm but how you dance in the rain.
