Abundance in a Time of Loss

Lead Photo Credit: Catherine Hubbard

Earlier this week, we lost a beloved figure in our family’s lives: my husband’s grandfather, Gordon Anderson. He was a soft-spoken spiritual giant in his family, living a simple life. He enjoyed his routine, always having the same meals, going out with the same friends on the same days, and frequented the same locations every week. He resided in the same home for decades, where he stayed until his passing. There was nothing lavish about his lifestyle, but there was one thing he had in excess: love for his family.

Never having had a relationship with my own grandfathers, I immediately loved and felt close to Gordon. Since we lived in separate states, I did not see him frequently, but he always had a smile and hug ready whenever I saw him. He showed no hesitation or reservations to me, but immediately treated me as one of his own family. It was easy to be around Gordon, and it was obvious that he loved being around his family.

Everyone in Gordon’s family knew how devoted he was to his wife, Geri, and how he adored her in her life and after her death. Gordon never took their relationship for granted. Like all couples, they had their trials and had to overcome adversity and heartache. But they overcame them together. Their love was almost tangible, and provided a beautiful example of a loving relationship – one that seemed to stand out in an increasingly tumultuous world. His abundance of unconditional love toward her shined in his countenance in every interaction. This is summed up well in his own words when he wrote, “I am grateful that I have been able to be a part of Geri’s life and look forward to the eternity we will share together as husband and wife.”

Upon his passing this week, Gordon’s daughter (my mother-in-law) was tasked with writing his obituary. In preparation, she found an autobiography that he had penned years ago. Although he was an incredibly accomplished engineer, patent agent, boy scout leader, and volunteer in his church and community, his priorities were simple. In his own words, “Family is everything.” We all loved hearing his stories, learning of his adventures in Australia, viewing his vast collection of firearms, and observing the clever ways he put his engineer’s mind to use around the house. Though his list of accomplishments was great, to him there was no greater possession than the family around him.

Gordon’s example was a refreshing reminder to me to look at my own family and see what a blessing they all are to me. I’m beyond grateful for my three children, who provide me entertainment, hugs, and an opportunity to solve problems every single day! My husband has been a gift to me, showing the same love and devotion that his grandfather demonstrated, and I know just how rare that is in this world. My loving parents and parents-in-law constantly show their love through acts of service and memorable moments together. I can see that, no matter what I lack in life, my family provides me with an abundance of blessings.

Soon Gordon’s family will gather to celebrate his life. It pains us all to be separated from him. Some will have tokens and mementos to remember him by, most of us will have pictures to look back on his life in fondness. But mostly we will be there together as a family. We will strive to put aside any contention and connect with each other during our time of grief. Through the sorrow we can love each other and build one another up. Even with the loss of the family’s patriarch, we can have love in abundance.

Because family is everything.