A local missionary family from Rwanda returned to Kentucky last week to lay their 6-year-old daughter to rest. Isabella Grace passed away from an asthma attack in April. For weeks, her mother, LaShanda Bradley, had been working to bring Bella back to Shelbyville for her burial, and it finally took place last week.
"I am incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible, as reaching this day has been a journey," Bradley expressed. "This kind of pain is something no one should endure; no mother should have to go through this, and no mother should have to say goodbye to her child."
Bradley shared with LEX18 that she has a strong support system assisting her with travel logistics, service arrangements, and emotional encouragement. Her longtime friend, Ronesha Roberts, has been by her side throughout this journey. Roberts, who also experienced the loss of her own baby, reflected on their shared pain.
"It was long nights, but I didn't mind because I had already faced that journey. I had six months with my child; she had six years with hers. That’s a different kind of hurt," Roberts expressed.
Bradley mentioned that her faith sustains her from moment to moment.
"I liken grief to waves; when the waves feel overwhelming and I miss her deeply, God gives me gentle reminders that she’s not truly gone—she’s always here with me," Bradley said.
Bradley, along with his wife and their two children, has announced that they are returning to Rwanda to continue their missionary work. They have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support what they refer to as their new normal.
