Local Poet’s Positive Outlook on Death
Fort White, Fla., (Sept. 23, 2019) – Fort White resident, George “Larry” Lockwood is diagnosed with the late stage of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Realizing his serious condition, George has an extremely positive outlook on his life and life in general.
He moved to Fort White, Fla. from Maryland in 2017 to live with his daughter. In his 73 years of life, George has worn many hats. From serving in the U.S. Army and owning an auto mechanic business, to being a volunteer firefighter and an expert fisherman. George feels his most outstanding accomplishment is being an award-winning poet. He started writing at the age of seven. At one time, this modest poet was offered a decent financial package from a major publishing company, and he turned down the offer.
“I write strictly to help people, and I want them to know that God touches our lives in many ways,” Lockwood said.
Recently, he wrote a beautiful poem about his newfound Community Hospice family. George refers to the compassionate team as his Hospice Angels. His blue eyes teared up as he talked about the care and friendship they continue to provide for him.
A verse from Mr. Lockwood’s poem:
“Unlike all the suffering and pain I have known before, these angels are the blessings I have long prayed for…It’s like death now, I no longer have fear, as with these angels – I feel God’s loving care…It’s like each time they come to my door, I feel closer to God than ever before.”
When asked what his immediate goal in life was, George replied, “I want to make sure everyone knows that death is not the end; it is a new beginning.”
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