Our Brother Daniel Anderson

"While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard," for "His love [is] unfathomable." - Joseph Smith

Right to left - Daniel Anderson, Brandy Lavender, our sister Jessica Anderson, and our mother Wendy Vaughan

A few days ago, I learned my younger brother Daniel Lynn Anderson passed away. Daniel had a challenging life. He struggled with everyday tasks and his faith. At times, he was abandoned by his friends and even his family. In the moments and days that followed my brother's death, I realized I had too often described my brother's life in terms of his trials.



I was reminded by the Holy Spirit of his goodness and allowed to see him as God would have me see him - not as someone who battled mental illness and life but as a young man who dealt with difficult issues I do not have. I saw him as a loving brother who, in spite of his sadness, would do anything to bring us a smile or hear us laugh. I saw him as the friend to our mother who took time to watch over and be a companion to her after she was left homeless. I saw him as a father who desired to be a good man and a good dad.

From the Spirit's gentle reminder, I learned: we must not only see as God sees, but we must do His work and serve as He served. I know that my brother was never truly alone nor was he ever completely abandoned.

From Left to Right - Daniel and our brothers Ronnie Anderson and Jacob Anderson

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

From left to right - Daniel and our brother Douglas "Kyle" St. Arbor

It is with much love and humility that I ask for your help to cover the costs of our little brother's funeral and memorial service. His death was unexpected and brought with it some financial challenges. As you can imagine, our timeframe to collect funds is limited therefore your charity is needed quickly.

I, Brandy Lavender, have been charged with ensuring the final costs and expenses are accounted for. Daniel's funeral and memorial service will be held at Laird Funeral Home 310 S. State St., Elgin, IL 60123 on February 23, 2019. If you would like to share your condolences, an open visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. You may also visit their website http://www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com/

In closing, I would like to share one of my favorite scriptures:

"But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." Moroni 7:47