3 minute read
Carving Out a Purposeful Life
Carving Out a Purposeful Life
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Bradley Toma has had a number of near-death experiences and has come to better appreciate life and all it has to offer.
He admits, “I’ve had some major tests. But I have a passion for life and I’ve been given opportunities over and over again.” It was probably more than just dumb luck when it came to surviving those close calls. He believes his “guardian angel” saved him on a number of occasions and is grateful for all those second chances that have materialized as a result.
Bradley is a man of many natural gifts and abilities with a wealth of knowledge and experience that he’s acquired over the years between schooling and work.
Growing up on a farm near Hairy Hill, Bradley said he always dreamed of becoming a pilot and building log cabins. While circumstances changed many times throughout his life, which meant he had to postpone those dreams, he refused to let them wither away and die.
“I’m a firm believer that what you put out into the universe comes back and rewards you.” He has found that to be true time and time again, having earned his pilot’s license and successfully completed a log building course.
Bradley rekindled his passion for building handcrafted log structures and began constructing one near the Town of Vegreville this summer. He also shares photos and videos on a number of social media platforms to give people a up close and personal view on how to build a log structure using old school methods.
He’s also documented his personal health journey and related challenges. Despite these difficulties, Bradley has managed to overcome them in large part because of his positive attitude. His determination and resilience have allowed him to carve out a purposeful life; one where he is always moving towards a new goal.
Just one example of his strength of mind and character was when he decided to earn a paragliding pilot’s license when he was past 60 years of age. Bradley said, “It’s the ultimate, to fly with the birds.” He calls it one of the greatest thrills and urges everyone to cast their fears aside to pursue their passions.
“I’ve done everything in life that I’ve wanted to do.” But that’s not quite true as he continues to work on his log structure, go paragliding and thinking about all of the details he wants to include in his memoir. While many remarkable experiences are behind him, they are many more colourful adventures in front of him waiting to unfold until the time is right.
