With Gratitude

With Gratitude

By Maggie Gray

Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. (Dr. Seuss)

Recently, readers of the Standard Gazette & Messenger were introduced to a story that holds a special place in my heart — Golden Years, Broken Dreams. It told of Trent Thies, a man who breathed new life into Fairfax’s former assisted living facility, and of Patti Banta, one of his tenants who had fallen on hard times but never lost her spirit.

As a freelance journalist, I often submit my work to various outlets. Sometimes it’s published quickly; sometimes it disappears into the void of “maybe.” In this case, I waited almost two months, believing another publication would run Patti and Trent’s story. I made a mistake. And in that time, something irreversible happened.

Patti’s life, like that of so many seniors today, was upended by circumstances no one prepares for— life-changing medical issues, an inability to work and loss of housing. Too many of our elders are slipping through the cracks and through catastrophic occurrences, must now live in their cars or on the street. But Patti was one of the lucky ones. Trent Thies was Patti’s landlord and refused to consider the possibility of her moving into her car.

You’ve all read Patti’s journey in the former article on how Trent helped her move to a smaller rental home Trent owned located in Madison, MN. Now in a home she could afford on limited widow disability with her two beloved labs Bear and Tully Jo, she gardened, she laughed, she did yard work, but mostly, she grew to love the small town of Madison and its quiet lifestyle.

When she sent me photos of her dogs, you could hear the pride in her voice. She was excited to share her story. She wanted others to know that hope still exists, even in the smallest of towns — that people still care. Patti was very open about her struggles and felt that sharing her story would remove some of the guilt struggling seniors face with health and housing issues.

When Denise Bonsack, the Gazette’s Publisher, agreed to publish Patti and Trent’s story, I knew it would mean everything for Patti to see her story published to be shared with the readers. Patti understood that this wasn’t just a story about housing. It was a story about being seen. About compassion. About second chances in the unlikeliest of places.

I had texted Patti and Trent with joy the moment their story was published by the Gazette. When I didn’t hear back, I feared the worst—that Patti might be back in the hospital. Trent reached out to me to convey why Patti was not responding to my texts. Patti had passed away in her sleep, in her new home, surrounded by her beloved dogs. The grief was crushing. I had made her a promise—that she would see her story in the paper. A promise I didn’t keep.

Patti’s obituary offered a glimpse into her life, but it didn’t capture everything. It didn’t tell of Trent’s generosity. It didn’t tell of Patti’s deep resilience. It didn’t tell of how one small-town paper made sure her voice was finally heard and her struggle might give rise to hope for others.

So, thank you — to Denise, to Trent, and to Patti. For reminding us that even when things seem broken beyond repair, life — and love — somehow find a way. Thank you Denise that although Patti’s voice is now forever silent, her published words in the Standard-Gazette & Messenger rise to honor her journey of hope through the kindness of a man named Trent Thies.

Maggie Gray is a Professional Photographer, Mentor, Author, Philanthropist and Owner of GrayHeart Photography, Maggie Gray inspires behind the lens or the pen.