Gratitude in the Midst of Grief
On June 15th, 2025, we received a phone call that changed our lives forever. My son Cody had been taken to the hospital by a friend, and in that moment, everything changed.
I remember being a young mom and wondering how anyone could survive losing a child. And in a moment, I was living the very thing I feared most.
We later learned a friend had given him a mix of drugs that instantly gave him a stroke that left him brain dead. As angry as I was, I knew I had to choose to forgive this young boy who played a part in Cody’s passing.
At first I was in complete shock. But as the reality began to settle into my heart, something unexpected happened. The shock softened into a peace I cannot fully describe—a peace that didn’t make sense by earthly standards. It felt as if deep inside, I knew my son was home. Not the home of this world, but the home our souls ultimately return to.
Cody had chosen to be an organ donor, so they kept him on life support until they could find recipients for his organs. We had 5 days to say goodbye and he was able to save 4 other lives. When I was praying for a miracle those final days, God spoke to me. Not in a loud voice, but in a way my heart instantly recognized. He said:
“Miracles will happen, but not in the way you imagine. My ways are not your ways. Trust in Me and don’t lean on your own understanding. I will never leave you or forsake you… Just as sheep know their Shepherd’s voice, Cody knew My voice and followed. He is with Me. My peace I leave with you. I will be your comfort.”
I didn’t understand at the time how deeply those words would carry me. But they became the truth I held onto every morning when opening my eyes seemed impossible. God kept reminding me that Cody is safe, happy, and completely at peace. And honestly… what more could a parent want for their child than to be held in perfect love?
That doesn’t mean grief disappears. It doesn’t mean there aren’t days where the ache feels heavy. But gratitude has woven itself into my grief—gently, slowly, and faithfully. I am grateful for the years I had with my son. I am grateful for the peace God placed in me when my world shifted. I am grateful that love does not end, even when life does.
Now, I look forward to the good still ahead. I cling to God’s promises, to His faithfulness, and to the hope of being reunited with those we love. Grief may change us, but it can also deepen us. It can open our eyes to beauty we once took for granted. It can make gratitude more precious, more intentional, more sacred.
I choose gratitude—not because my story is easy, but because God is still good.
And I choose hope—because this life is not the end of the story.
~ Tara Gamel
Tara Gamel is an artist, musician, and devoted Jesus lover. She is a wife and mom living in San Tan Valley, Arizona, and currently teaches junior high art at American Leadership Academy in Queen Creek.
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