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I had the pleasure of speaking with Doris Brignac following the publication of a column I wrote about my daughter Elise’s cancer experience. What amazes me is that the parts of the column that touched her heart were words I never intended to write. I know that God, with His infinite wisdom and perfect timing, steered both the writing and time of publication.

Almost four years ago, Doris’ daughter Raini died in a car accident directly in front of the cemetery her great-grandparents are buried in. She was only 22 years old.

“She had an infectious laugh and a gorgeous smile,” Doris said.

Raini’s family was surprised by the number of people who reached out to them. They had no idea that Raini knew so many people of all ages, and that her short life had positively affected them.

“When she first passed away, I would always say, ‘Who am I to mourn this much, when the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ had to watch her son be beaten and crucified? But I know that it is my faith that has carried me through one of the darkest times of my life,” Doris said. While Raini’s death has left a huge void, Doris is grateful for the people who have reached out to her, particularly those who have buried daughters of their own.

“I now can truly say that I did not LOSE my daughter,” Doris said. “I actually feel now that I SAVED her by instilling in her, at a very young age, our faith in Jesus.”

 

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.