A widower’s inspiring reflection on being the spouse left behind

I spoke with Cordonnier to discuss a post he'd shared on Facebook, and how a perspective he embraced thanks to the Lord has helped him cope with being a widower. His outlook was so refreshing that it garnered a number of likes that shocked the 71-year-old. He kindly agreed to having us share it with you here:

The words ​“I’m happy to take care of it for us, dear!” seem to echo after you read the passage. Love demands constant sacrifice, as Cordonnier points out in his post. It's how we use our overriding love to cope with the pain of this sacrifice that will help us in the toughest of times.

While the grandfather of 28 wrote this post to bring comfort to other widows and widowers, it's also valuable to those feeling overwhelmed in their marriages. When sacrifices are necessary, we need to see the greater picture. If we could learn to see our sacrifices as a gift, and not a burden, then we get to live in a union of love and not resentment.

Cordonnier was shocked to see such a hugely positive response to his post by so many people, but his poignant message is so refreshing that it's no surprise it proved hugely popular.

As well as the post, the loving husband also shared with me the role he played in Anne's last months. He retired from a full-time job that he loved in order to give her hospice care at home, for which he is thankful to God:

The Facebook post is just one example of Cordonnier's faith-inspired writings. His books, My Gospel and More Gospel have also proved popular with readers. And that's not all. The family man continues to form others in the faith in his parish, on Zoom, and in talks given in his local restaurant.

It seems God certainly did have a plan for the Cordonnier family. They have lived a life so full of love that it could be used in service to others.