Uncle George, you were like a father to me.
I recall your visit to Oregon in 1997 when I relocated here from Los Angeles to work for a High Tech Company. You said you had to fly over to make sure I was well settled in the new place. Yep, that was my uncle George, very caring.
I still remember most of our conversations over the years.
I remember your concerns and our discussion about my decision to leave my Engineering position for full-time ministry in 2007 when I visited you for a few weeks in Accra. I recall your concerns, your numerous questions, the advice you gave me, and some of your insults, which I still laugh about, and other discussions over the years pertaining to that decision. A genuine concern of a father for a daughter.
I have memories of your laughter and I am sure you remember mine.
I remember you... always calling me a fool for Jesus and my usual response:
"I would rather be a fool for Jesus than a fool for a man."
I recall your constant concern about my marital status and your request to see your "son-in-law." Again, you demonstrated a genuine concern of a father for his daughter. Sorry, I was not able to keep that promise while you were here with us Uncle George. Mr. Right has not shown up. Remember, I said he would have to love Jesus more than he loves me because I would love Jesus more than I would love him; a pre-requisite.
I recollect the many jokes. The hard times I gave you and the pressure I put on you to walk around the house for circulation. I remember your rebellion and the look you often give me when I pushed you past what I believed, was your limit.
I have memories of banning you from smoking cigarettes in your own home and insisting you smoke outside prior to building the enclosed section. You would actually leave and go outside to smoke. You were gracious about that. I also recall later taking your cigarettes and cigars and hiding them since you were not supposed to smoke. You were still very gracious about that though I know it irritated you to no end. Looking back, you allowed me to get away with a lot my dear Uncle George, didn't you? You never blasted me or told me off, not even once.
I remember taking care of you on a trip all the way from Accra to New York, and snatching a glass of wine from you on the plane just when you were ready to take a nice sip. I could not believe you were about to drink with an oxygen mask beside you. As you may recall, I was quite upset with you about that.
I have memories of always slapping you on the top of your baldhead to pray for you, which was almost every time I come around you, because you always had some “smart remark” about something.
The last few times we sat alone together, you shared your life experiences with me, including your accomplishments at various stages of your life, beginning with your accomplishment at a very early age. I recollect discussions about your concerns and disappointments the last time we sat and had a lengthy discussion at Labone in 2010. I know you are happy and at peace because some of the concerns were addressed prior to you, leaving us.
You accomplished a lot in your lifetime Uncle George, and your legacy still lives on.
Truly, I have many, many fond memories of you Uncle George:
Your sincerity, genuineness… no charade, your integrity, your discernment, your laughter and your love for life; more importantly, your genuine concern and love for me as though I was truly one of your daughters.
I am honored and proud to have had you in my life as one of my fathers.
I love you Uncle George. I miss you! You will always be in my heart and prayers.
Sleep on Uncle George; sleep on my dear Uncle George.