I can’t believe that seven years have gone by since I lost my special friend, George Howard. Very few people come along in your life that leave an imprint on your soul—but George was one of those people. A true angel on earth.
To me, George was more than a friend.
I have a special place tucked away in my heart for this man who was like a spiritual father, a friend who became like an adopted dad to me. Today, I want to share more about him with you so that his light continues to spread and shine.
A Spiritual Father and Friend
George always had encouraging words and biblical advice, along with a huge smile and a chuckle—no matter what the situation was in front of him. He was also one of my biggest cheerleaders.
He would always tell me, “You’re one in a million, kid!”
He was always fixing things for me… my favourite belt that needed a repair, or a quick glue gun fix for my hat that was having a malfunction. Right until the very end, George was full of God’s love. It spilled out of him at every moment.
It would be such a treat if I could have one quick coffee with him and tell him all of the amazing stories and testimonies that God has put me smack dab in the middle of. He would be so excited to read my book. I can just hear him laughing and sitting on the edge of his seat, loving every moment of it, encouraging me to “Keep it up, kid.”
His smile would be ear to ear as he intently listened, like he always did. And at the end, he’d offer some nugget of advice and leave me with an encouraging word. Those moments always left an imprint on me.
Remembering His Final Days
I was fortunate to spend some of George’s final moments on earth with him—singing, chatting, and praying. I witnessed many smiles and laughter from a man saying goodbye to his earthy home.
I can remember when bending down to give him a hug, he gave me the orders to “put down the sidebar of the Hospital bed.” I was able to kneel down and give him a closer hug without being caught up on the bar of that sterile hospital bed, feeling like we were miles apart.
When I went to stand up, he asked me, “Where do you think you’re going?” I laughed and said, “I guess nowhere.’’
He asked me to lay beside him and we chatted about what heaven might be like, and him seeing his wife again. We talked about all the things that were on his mind that he just had to puke out and share. After that, it was like a weight had lifted from him, and his smile grew bigger.
Next thing I knew, he took my hand as we were lying in that hospital bed, side by side, and we held our arms together towards heaven. And we both started singing “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” together:
I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
George’s Legacy of Faith and Hope
To hold someone in your arms singing, sending them off to their heavenly home, is really life changing. It reminded me that life truly is but a speck. But eternity is forever—and that is a long, long time.
So, I encourage everyone, as George would: make sure you secure your eternal spot!
I know George did, and that today, he is singing with the saints.
I love you, George. Not a day goes by that I don’t smile and think of you when I glance at my phone screensaver. Seeing your picture there, you still remind me how much of a gift life really is and how much I miss you.
One day, I will be celebrating (and singing) together with you again in our heavenly home—for eternity!
I sing because I’m happy…
If you’d like to listen to the song we sang together, here’s the link: “His Eye Is On The Sparrow.”