Beauty from Tragedy

Late one recent summer night, the news came abruptly:

“A 19 year old woman was killed after her car hit a moose. The driver got out to look at the damage after hitting a moose that was crossing the highway. An oncoming truck hit and killed her.”

Tragedy took away a young life. My thoughts wandered. How instantly she was taken away from her family and friends.

Who would be affected? Parents getting the news will collapse with shock. Siblings will experience a new level of loss. A fiancé maybe? He will never forget this night.

The driver of the truck? His life is now changed in a permanent painful way. Images flash over and over in his mind. The memories are indelible now that they have been burned in his psyche. Guilt will plague his nights and no one can console him. Only a Divine Creator will ever be able to bring a complete healing from the pieces of turmoil.

All these thoughts ravaged my mind as I heard the news.

But then, I thought of the possibility of beauty from tragedy. Was she an organ donor?

For a moment, the thought sent pangs of selfishness through my body. I remembered back when I was sitting and waiting—waiting for someone to die so I could live through a heart donor. My own heart was failing me and at 44 years old, I wanted to live. Guilt nagged at my despairing soul each day that passed. My thoughts were often tortured with blank images of my potential heart donor and their devastated family.

How mixed the emotions become when you want so badly to have one more chance to remain here on earth with family and friends knowing someone else will be taken from their own circle of relationships. Oh God, what a price to be paid for life.

Jesus paid an immeasurable price for our lives. He selflessly gave His life so we could live. John 3:16

The words of a liver transplant recipient came to mind: “Why should two lives be lost when that person’s organs can save someone’s life?” 50 people can be saved or have their lives enhanced by one organ donor.

My heart donor—Danielle—she is my angel on earth as her mom reminds me. Her mom and brothers are my family now. I love them dearly as if they have always been part of my life. And Danielle knew the Lord Jesus. I will see her in heaven.

Tragedy can spur on beauty from the ashes of loss and suffering.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

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