For Wilshire Baptist Church
When our Wilshire friend George G. fell ill and landed in the hospital, it wasn’t a surprise to see his large family of musicians and vocalists start to show up in growing numbers at his bedside. And then they organized themselves with online information groups and schedules as to when different ones would stay with him, what he needed and wanted and who would get it and just generally be there for him.
As we met different people in person or online, some would say, “I’ve known George for ___ years.” It’s as if there was a need to claim ownership of George’s friendship; it almost felt competitive in a friendly kind of way. There’s nothing wrong with that, because George’s friendship is well worth claiming and boasting about.
But the truth is people who know George know he doesn’t count the years he has known you; he doesn’t organize and prioritize his friends that way. He considers you a “pal” and calls you that whether he’s known you 50 years or just five days. What seems to matter most to him is the quality of the relationship and the common bonds, whether it’s music in all its genres and styles, faith, model railroads, crossword and jigsaw puzzles or talking about any of those or other areas of common interest over a meal — a “chat and chew” as he calls it.
I don’t know where or how George developed that way of living, but there’s something very Christ-like about treating people that way, where all are equal and all are worthy of relationship, friendship and fellowship.
I don’t know how long I’ve known George, and I don’t recall exactly how we first met. I think it might have been through his pal Conrad, who I first got to know on Sundays at Wilshire. I would be in the narthex preparing for the morning’s offering, and Conrad would walk through on his way to the balcony to run the church’s nascent video ministry. Conrad first met George in Los Angeles. They became pals in George’s special way and Conrad followed him back to Dallas and into the Christian faith. Talk about Christ-like living!
George has a long way to go in his recovery, but he isn’t alone on the journey. He’s surrounded by friends and pals who have been by his side all these many years — or maybe just a few days.
Beautiful. George and I met at a friend’s party and he heard a few songs I had written and immediately asked if he could Mentor me for the special needs program.
I said he was highly overestimating my talents. And he was adamant about the “super hero” power he was/is giving me.
Beautiful George, encouraging and Christ like indeed. With a huge hint of ornery.
Thank you, George , for my super power. All in honor of you and your faith. Quiet peace, my friend.
Well said, Jeff. George and I have been like brothers for more than 30 years. Although my faith journey was God-centered, it would not have started without my friendship with George. Although I would very much like to see him, I am currently dealing with my own health issues. God bless!
Well, you’re right about being possessive of George as your friend. As for me, I’ve known George way back in the mid to late -70’s after I met my future wife Susan Bailey at Disney world. Upon getting to know her I was told about George in her most admirable way. I finally met the man and we became friends ever since. I also became quite enamored of his family and got to know them very well and I was fortunate on both ends to have known all the Gagliardi’s
It’s difficult to talk about George now that I know his situation but the decision he’s made to be with the Lord is strong and powerful because I know how much he enjoyed life with his MANY friends . I realize that God has prepared a better place for him and he is well equipped to enjoy it. He did good and he did plenty as Christian letting others know about our Lord .
I’ve shared many many times with “the Byrd” (He would actually call me that name) be it as a fellow paesan , taking guitar lessons from him , getting his musical help for professional gigs, keeping up with his journeys . There were many tales to tell as he would prompt me for our long overdue visit.
So it is with great sadness and joy our friend is getting the Big Gig in the sky . Many don’t know this except a few of us that were at one time a close-knit group would gather over at our friend John Rainone’s house where John would cook wonderful Italian dinners “a mangiare ” and play music to cap off the evening usually to celebrate a festive theme .
It was always a blast and a “you had to be there” experience.
George has in fact been very helpful in my professional career. You see, the wordsmith that he is, gave me my clown name “Stringbini”! taking my last name( Per”ini”) and adding a little Italian spice to it. Of course my relationship with George goes deeper since I was married to Susan Bailey and it was then that George, Susan and I would be much of a trio sharing many times together having dinners watching movies , going out ,spending holidays together but the biggest thrill was to get private concerts in our living room while George played his guitar singing his new songs and older ones . The man has written and composed almost 900 songs ! Maybe more !!
He even wrote a song for me when I was a bit down in the dumps and spoofed an Italian classic “finiculi finicula” all equipped with hysterical lyrics for my clown act. I could sing it and play it on guitar . It was the best part of my show .Yes you could say I do claim ownership of being George’s friend . . He’s been such a good pal of mine, as a friend, a brother teacher and roll model.
So I share with all of you that gifted friendship that George has allowed us to be in his life and to know George feels just the same.
So I’ll see you up there in the Big sky my friend. I know you’ll be happy to revisit with your mom and dad , Mr. & Mrs. G., As I called them and your sister Debbie.
Thanks my friend for always being you!
See you up there . I’ll be on the next train. James