You might not know Howard Beckett, but chances are that you know someone like him. You might know someone who has had a profound effect on your life through kindness and ever-affirming smile. You might know someone who has worked behind the scenes for decades and someone you haven't spent enough time appreciating.
When my former high school closed its doors this summer, my first thoughts went to Howard, the school's custodian for 42 years. Howard began at the then James F. Byrnes Academy in 1969. He saw the school transition to a new name - "The Byrnes Schools" in the early 2000s. He was the custodian, but really, he was much more than that.
Howard could be found most days doing the jobs around campus that no one else wanted. Whether it was scrubbing floors or fixing something that had broken, he was always there with a smile and a sort of determination that most young students blissfully miss. Howard was a friend to students, always ready with a heart-warming grin and a kind word.
On Fridays, his work day got a little bit longer. He'd stay to watch our football games. Before we'd dress, Howard would ask me the same question, "You gonna get 'em today, big guy?" Most days, we got 'em. But even if we didn't Howard was still there, waiting beside the fence with a hug and a word of consolation.
During the holidays, many families cared for Howard. Some brought him food, while others gave gifts. My dad remembers the look on Howard's face when my father gave him a significant cash gift one December. He was the sort of person who didn't ask for anything, but also the sort who humbly and cheerfully accepted the gifts from others.
So when the school closed, I had many questions. What will happen to Howard? Where will he work? What will he do for money? Perhaps most importantly, where will I find him during December? I didn't know where he lived and I was sure he would no longer be posting up along the school gym's brick wall as students pulled out for the day.
Something amazing happened around the time Byrnes closed. And it was something you might not have expected around these parts. A true and inspiring grassroots effort came together in support of Howard. The school's alumni - most white and middle class - found a Heart for Howard and organized events to raise money for the man who had done so much to shape their grade school and high school experience. In the heart of the deep South, students looked beyond race in an effort that honors the remarkable work ethic and kindness of a man who has given so much. It is the sort of effort that sustains my belief in the hope for our generation.
There was a reason I didn't know where Howard lived. As it turns out, he has spent the last seven years living in a hotel. Howard was born with partial paralysis, a condition that causes a noticeable limp and prevents him from driving. I never knew of Howard's family, though it wouldn't surprise me if he had one at some point. For Howard, it seemed, Byrnes was his family and the students there were his children.
Over the years, he developed something of an identity. Some students were lucky enough to really get to know him. If you had a conversation with him, you would realize that he was truly quite funny. And he had the sort of belief in the goodness of people that was rare around our school. Simply put, if you needed a biggest fan, he was more than willing.
The effort to help Howard has been more than inspiring. The former students have used social media, traditional media, and everything in-between to promote the cause. The goal is lofty - raise enough money to purchase the man a small home. For years, Howard has been forced to rely upon friends and the notoriously poor public transportation of our town to get from place to place. With this effort, the students have decided that it's time for Howard to have a place to call his own.
So far the effort has raised around $7,000, an amount that's been enough to get Howard back on his feet. A local newspaper writer described Howard's reaction:
“It made me feel good and I love all of them, every one of them, and I always will,” Howard said holding back a couple stoic tears.
This effort showcases the best of the human spirit. Howard is a man who worked his entire life, even through disability, to make a positive impact on the people around him. Custodian is not a job through which one usually effects change, but Howard made each student he met a little bit better. Now, the community is giving back to him - a tribute to his successful career and his remarkably powerful life.
The group is currently selling tickets to the Howard Beckett benefit through eBay. For those who are in the area and would like to attend, here is the link. Any and all support is appreciated by those who might have been touched by this story, even if you live far too far to actually use your ticket.
UPDATE: Some interest was expressed in how to donate. In addition to the eBay link above (you could purchase a ticket even if you wouldn't attend), they are also taking donations for a trust account that has been set up in Howard's name. The group has provided the following information:
1113 Cashua Ferry Rd.
Darlington, SC 29532
Address for donations for Howard Beckett, JR.
For those interested in donating online, I have established an easy way to do that:
http://www.gofundme.com/...
This is the Facebook page for the group: http://www.facebook.com/...
Thanks so much for the interest everyone.