('The Saint Plays' performed by GC students Nov. 7, 8 and 9 includes a specially written play in memory of GC student and actress Deanne Binde.)
Ten years ago a co-worker shared with me the following
perspective on life: "Bill, life gets grayer as you get older". Having experienced the tragic loss of both of his parents, along with multiple other life events, his perspective was one of awareness to the complexities of life and difficult realities we sometimes face. This co-worker was also a man of faith, a faith that was central and clear in the broader context of life's challenges.
Over the course of the past five months, I have been privileged to witness such strong faith once again in the midst of life's untimely challenges and answerable realities, through the death of junior Deanne Binde. Deanne's parents Dale and Debbie Binde, along with their children, have served as profound witnesses to the faithfulness and presence of God during difficulties, to me and our broader campus community. The sudden and tragic death of Deanne on her way home to Lake Park, Minn. following May term caused us all to pause, question and doubt. Through our personal interaction, Debbie's handwritten notes and shared conversations in each other's communities, God has been present and we have been touched.
To the same degree Deanne shared joy in her interactions, creativity in her work and love of life itself as a theater and communications major here on campus, the Binde family and Lake Park, Minn., community, extended hospitality, graciousness and care.
The 40-plus college students, faculty and staff who attended Deanne's memorial in Lake Park were greeted at the Binde Farm with a bonfire of remembrance followed by home stays with plenty of room to sleep and more than enough food to eat. This generosity, followed by personally handwritten notes from Debbie to each member who attended, exhibited care beyond my understanding. And this August, while visiting with the Bindes about plans for our on-campus memorial, when Debbie so clearly articulated her hope that we would not forget to, "Give God the glory", I was moved to tears. And I am once again as I write this reflection.
The Binde family came to campus in mid-September to celebrate Deanne's life with us. They participated in the memorial service, theater events and late night dance to Deanne's favorite playlist. They took time to meet with students on a personal basis and followed their visit with personalized handwritten notes once again.
"Life does get grayer", but there is hope in our faith, and joy in difficulty. There are people like Dale and Debbie who model it when we cannot even imagine the pain and suffering they face.
Thank you, Dale and Debbie, for sharing Deanne with our campus community. And thank you for sharing so much of yourselves as well. You have touched many of us over the course of these past few months, given us hope and strengthened our faith.
Bill Born, vice president for student life, dean of students
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