The Dark Gifts

As I was trying to catch up on reading my "Daily Guideposts" devotional this morning (we've been on the West coast for a funeral), I read the one by Brian Doyle for May 26. Coincidentally, that was the day of the funeral for my son-in-law's twin brother. The writer wonders, in print, if some of the painful things that happen to us might be gifts that we don't see or understand at the time.

Whoa! I had to stop and think about that for quite a while! How can the death of a kind, wonderful 38-year-old possibly be a gift? How can those of us left behind see this as anything but a tragedy?

To give a little perspective, Trent had been in the Navy when he had to be operated on for a tumor. The operation was followed by a stroke. He had to learn to walk & talk all over again. With the help of his twin and my son, he did so quite well. Unable to drive because of his seizures, he moved in with the guys, graduated from community college, and volunteered with the DAV and on the stroke ward of the hospital. His life, even before the stroke, was one of living for others.

After much thought, I think I can see a bit what Brian Doyle was saying. Trent touched so many lives, helped so many people. I, for one, shall try to do just a bit of what he did. Because of his life, people are more aware of the stroke association & the need for funding. Rest in peace, dear Trent!