Hey everyone. My friends, I'm sad to report the news that we have been expecting for a few days. Our dear friend Smiley has departed this life. BUT Smiley is now without pain and with our God!
Luke had the idea yesterday afternoon that they should each talk to Smiley over the phone. Even though they all knew Smiley would not be able to talk back to them, they wanted to talk to him one last time. So, Steve called back around 10:00 pm our time. Each of the boys, Margie, and Patty had their time to tell Smiley how very much they love him. Patty let him know that we would all be okay. She told Smiley to go ahead and close his eyes, go to sleep, and go be with God. Smiley couldn't talk, but he did moan - Patty knew he was telling her that he loves her!
About 3 hours later, Smiley passed away.
This is such a sad day for us - but what a happy day for Smiley!! He is in the place where we all should be striving to get to! And what a reunion he's had today! Marshall has waited a lot of years to see his son again! And we've been wondering if Smiley has gotten in trouble with Bobby and Bo yet! I have no doubt that the Lord is having some great laughs with those guys!!
Smiley fought the fight of all fights. He has been in pain during all of 2008, but he fought so hard. Smiley and Patty's house is full of pictures - pictures of family, friends, and loved ones. There is evidence all around us of this family's love of the Lord! One special hanging that sticks out to me is one in Smiley and Patty's bedroom. It has the letter "B" and under it says the following:
Barry -- Courageous
Only be thou strong and very courageous...that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest
Joshua 1:7
What a perfect description of Barry Smiley Howell!! We are all better people for knowing and loving him!
Please continue to pray for Smiley's family and Steve and his family. We need to always remember the courage that Smiley and Steve have shown during this miracle trip! And what a miracle trip it has been!
May God Bless You all for everything you have done for Smiley and his family! We don't have to stop loving Smiley - we need to keep that love and spread it around - just like Smiley would want us to do :)
Always pray, my friends - always! God is good!
We do not know arrangements at this time. Things will move slower than usual since Smiley passed away in Korea. There are many people working to get the details worked out. I promise I will keep in touch...
Much Love, Thanks, and Prayers to you all :)
Leigh
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment