The majority of the time in this blog, in fact almost exclusively, topics are either Bridgeport centered or on a mundane topic everyone can relate to. Every once in a while, the topics go beyond the municipal borders for reasons that may or may not be clear to those reading.

 

In this particular case, the topic in question is something none of us ever want to relate to. Yet, it was something when approached by a family member involved seemed worthy of being told. In fact, it probably needed to be told.

 

While the name may not be completely familiar to everyone in Bridgeport, the situation is one more familiar to those not only here, but elsewhere throughout Harrison County and the region. It was back in the middle of June, on June 17 to be exact, that an incident took place at the Shinnston City Pool that resulted in the death of a young lady.

 

Her name was Madison Grace Brady. She was a daughter, a niece, a granddaughter, a softball player, a classmate, a friend and so much more. When Bill Courtney contacted me this week and explained to me what he wanted, I was glad to help. More importantly, I wanted to help after he told me the simple thing that he wanted.

 

You see, Bill Courtney is one of several members of Madison’s family who is grieving a little more than two months since Madison passed away. He’s Madison’s grandfather and he had a simple request to get out to the people of Shinnston, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Harrison County and beyond.

 

The message was eloquent in its simplicity in the face of what one can only imagine is unbearable grief. The message to the community at large was “thank you.”

 

You see, Madison Grace Brady wasn’t just a typical student who had just completed her eighth grade year at Lincoln Middle School and was set to enter Lincoln High School as a freshman. The 14-year-old, who would have turned 15 next month, was more than just popular. She was loved – and that went well beyond her immediate family and social circle.

 

“I can’t thank everyone enough for the support that everyone showed for Madison. It was amazing, particularly to see so many kids. To see these little ladies that played softball with her or who were just friends with her show up at the funeral home visitation and on the day of the ceremony was a feeling that’s hard to describe, but it provided comfort when it was needed the most,” said Courtney. “I don’t even know where they all came from; but I know there were kids from all over, including Bridgeport, and so many associated with the Mountain State Softball League.

 

“Between the visitation and the ceremony, there were more than 1,000 people. I knew Madison had friends, but this blew me away,” he continued. “I want everyone to know how much we appreciate the support that is still coming to this day.”

 

More of that support is coming. While Madison was popular on many fronts, it was competing in the aforementioned softball league where she made many friends. It was a sport her grandfather hoped would find her competing in high school against teams and friends from all over the area.

 

In one way, Madison Grace Brady’s presence will soon be permanent as it relates to softball in the area. Jason Barnard, the president of the Mountain State Girls Softball League, said more than one initiative being taken will assure that.

 

“Madison was with our league for seven or eight years and what made her special was that she would be the first to tell you she wasn’t the best player out there, but no one loved the game more,” said Barnard. “Because of that, one of the awards that we give out every year has been the ‘Heart Award,’ which is for the player that showed the most heart. Madison was always that player and from now on that is going to be the Madison Brady Award.”

 

Even better is that existing fields beyond the former Gore Junior High School are being revitalized. Those fields, Barnard said, are owned by Dr. Bradley Franz who allows the Mountain State Girls Softball League to compete there. And they have a special connection to Madison.

 

“Members of Madison’s family have largely kept those fields up,” said Barnard. “Now, we’re looking into renaming the main field in her name.”

 

What that would mean is that the future could see softball athletes playing on Madison Grace Brady Memorial Field.

 

“We plan on having the opening of the field in the spring,” he said. “I know the kids all enjoyed Madison, even the other leagues knew her and they were wearing a #17 patch (Madison’s number) on their uniforms after what happened. I thought the world of everyone for doing that. Things like that help when families are struggling with a situation as devastating as this.”

 

Bill Courtney doesn’t disagree. Courtney said it was roughly a year and a half ago when Madison’s uncle – Nutter Fort Volunteer Firefighter Michael Garrett – was killed on a call for a cell tower collapse. He said, emotionally, times have been consistently tough on the family and the gestures of kindness and displays of humanity have proven an emotional life vest in a sea of sadness.

 

“Nothing prepares you for this. There’s not a thing you can do for tragedies like what has taken place,” Courtney said. “At the same time, I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming support and the amount of kindness we received. It makes you believe in the goodness that exists in people and, for that, I again just want to thank everyone. It’s more important than you can imagine.”

 

Editor's Note: Photos courtesy of WDTV from a memorial event held prior to a youth softball game in June.