Elijah “Eli” “the Pig” Guard, 8, raced into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, November 30th with his trademark tenacity, fight, and orneriness. He was born on February 23, 2014, in Columbus, Ohio. He is survived by his parents, Nichole and Zac, his brother, Luke Houston, his sister, Magnolia Ann Louise, grandparents Dr. Richard Jr. “Papu” and Tina “GiGi” Halcombe, Tom “Pawpaw” and BeLinda “Nana” Guard, Michelle “Nonna” and Ron Gill, Richard III "Uncle" and Samantha “Aunt Pam” Halcombe, and cousin Huck Halcombe IV.
Eli’s life wasn’t defined by his engine, the tricked-out wheelchair that got him around… that was simply a tool he used. His infectious smile and abundant confidence left a lasting mark on everyone he met, much like the wheelchair-sized skid marks on most of his neighbors’ driveways.
Eli was – and always will be – a Warrior. While he faced more battles and obstacles in his short time than most adults, he never backed down. His courage and grace carried his family through every challenge, each setback, and every time something new came up to grieve.
He was never lacking in confidence, and was quick to remind any opponent that he was – in fact – faster than Jaden Ricketts. Backyard games with the neighborhood kids may have taken on different forms, but in those moments Eli shined as just one of the boys. His skills as a receiver were unrivaled, and he was always open to catch one of his dad’s perfectly-thrown passes. He was fiercely competitive and had a knack for figuring out when someone was feeling sorry for him. That’s usually when you’d get smoked by the kid in the wheelchair.
Though he may not have known it, Eli’s very presence fostered a spirit and attitude of inclusion with every encounter. In his school, his neighborhood, and all across this community, our hearts and lives adapted to embrace him.
While he leaves behind grief in the hearts and tears on the faces of those who loved him, he also gifted this world with something most children can’t: A legacy. Eli fostered forever changes in the places he loved and in the people who loved him. While our hearts are weary and our souls cry out in the pain of his loss, we find solace and comfort knowing he’s running around on his own two feet… surely reminding everyone around him that he’s faster – and smarter – than them.
We all learned so much from our Pig, and these lessons should remain as daily reminders of the world kids like Eli deserve: Compassion, inclusion, and a rotten smile go a long way.
Run free and run fast, Eli. Don’t let anyone tag you out.
Friends may call from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7th, 2022, at Real Church, 5780 Reynoldsburg Baltimore Rd, Pickerington, OH 43147 (This is the correct church address. Please don't use Facebook address). A funeral service to honor Eli will follow at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at the church with Pastor James Dewhurst officiating. The family is requesting for all who attend to please wear Cincinnati Bengals or Watkins Warriors attire and BLING in Eli’s memory.
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