Tennesseans Thanksgiving stories thanks

By Claudia Pinto, The Tennessean 

It's that time of year when we give thanks for what we have, but some Tennesseans aren't just thankful for the good things in life. Here are five stories about the times when life goes horribly wrong and only in retrospect can people see that those tragedies made their lives much better.

Mark Fagan

Age: 59

Residence: Gallatin

Thank God . . . I have cancer.

The surgeon told Mark Fagan he was unable to remove all of the tumors and he should be prepared to lose his bladder.

Fagan began to pray for healing.

"I failed to feel any response from him, only emptiness," Fagan said. "I cried out in anger and asked, 'Why won't you answer me?' Suddenly I realized that the only time I had gone to him in prayer over the past several years was when I wanted or needed something."

The retired Tennessee Highway Patrol colonel said at that moment he realized how selfish he had become and he felt ashamed.

"A sudden peace came upon me as I felt (God's) presence and heard him say, 'You finally understand,' " he said.

Fagan struck a deal with God right then. For his part, Fagan pledged to live the rest of his life for God, and in turn God would be asked for nothing.

"I am still battling cancer but I can honestly say that it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me," Fagan said. "It brought me back to my Lord and closer to my family."

Chris Frost

Age: 34

Residence: Nashville

Thank God . . . My father was sent to prison.

Chris Frost spent his childhood praying that his father would love him more than alcohol.

"My little brother and I loved him with all of our hearts and wanted so bad to be an important part of his life just like any other sons would want," Frost said. "But he always chose to drink and to be a drunk first."

When Frost was 5, his father left his family. Still, Frost kept praying.

When Frost was 14 his father lost his business and was sentenced to three years in prison. That's when the praying stopped.

"I asked (God) why could he be so cold and send my father to jail? Especially after all of the many years praying for my father to quit drinking," he said.

Frost had lost his faith. When his father got out of prison, he was terrified that he would start drinking again.

"A few months passed. Then one year passed. One year turned to three years, then to four years, and so on," he said. "It has been 20 years this month since my father exited prison, but he left something behind there - his addiction to alcohol. Yes, God finally did answer me and my family's prayers."

"The time since my father has been out of jail has been the best 20 years of my life."

Cathy Bingham

Age: 55

Residence: Murfreesboro

Thank God . . . My life fell apart.

In the span of about a year, Cathy Bingham's father died and was buried on her birthday; her husband emptied their house and filed for divorce; and her daughter's appendix ruptured and she almost died.

Instead of wearing her down, Bingham said the experiences made her stronger.

"I found God again, and drew my strength from him," she said. "I asked for peace, and he gave it to me."

Bingham started eating healthier and lost 50 pounds. She went back to school and earned an apprentice license in medical coding and billing. She joined some clubs and started volunteering.

"After being a recluse for over 25 years, I am slowly re-entering life," Bingham said. "I am once again enjoying life, making friends and being who I think God wants me to be. I don't know where this road is leading me, but I now look forward, not backward."

Lisa Moffitt

Age: 42

Residence: Joelton

Thank God . . . I lost my job.

After Lisa Moffitt lost her high-powered job, she spent a month sitting around crying after her kids left for school.

"I felt like I lost my identity and self-worth," said Moffitt, who had been president of a manufacturing corporation. "I was devastated."

It was Moffitt's 80-year-old grandmother who snapped her out of it. She said, "You've got your health and you're not a dumb-head. You can do anything."

Moffitt said her grandmother made her realize she had been taking a lot for granted.

"Just the simple pleasures of life - like going for a walk in the morning," she said. "I felt like I didn't have time to do that. It was: do, do, do. I have to get to work. Always rushing."

Now, instead of her life being all about work, it's all about family and keeping life simple.

"This year, we went camping in the Smokies," Moffitt said. "It was the cheapest vacation we've ever had, but it will be the most memorable."

Charlene Templeton

Age: 45

Residence: Hendersonville

Thank God . . . My husband cheated.

Charlene Templeton had been married for 16 years when she found out that her husband was in love with her best friend.

The betrayal was mind-boggling.

"I helped raise his three kids," Templeton said. "We all went to church together."

Templeton said she threw herself a 1 1/2-year pity party after the divorce. But then she decided to leave Mt. Vernon, Ill., where she had lived her whole life, and move to Hendersonville.

"It was the hardest thing I have ever done," she said. "I got out of my comfort zone and took a job in a city in which I knew nobody to make a new start."

Templeton said doing so allowed her meet the love of her life, Ricky Templeton, at Moss Wright Park. They married in April.

"He is the most wonderful and sweetest man, who treats me like a queen," Templeton said. "I feel like Job in the Bible. I lost everything, but I got it all back and more."