Let Me Tell You About Another Man

Several years ago, I wrote a post to honor my dad Vernon.  I shared the story of his time in Korea. I did my best to share his heroism with my readers.  I wanted the world to know what an amazing man the simple farmer from Kansas truly was.  I wanted to honor my hero.

This past week, I lost my "other" dad.  My father-in-law, Keith, passed from this life to the next.  It has been a difficult time, to say the least.  Let me introduce the man who became Dad Johnson to me almost 36 years ago.

I briefly met my husband's family on our college campus.  Little did I know that two years later, I would again be introduced to them, but this time as their son's girl friend.  Keith (my husband) and I were traveling to Michigan to begin our summer internships.  His family graciously met us in Terre Haute, as we had left Springfield, MO, in the wee hours of the morning.  From the moment we made acquaintance, I was wrapped in their love and joy.  They laughed a lot.  They truly enjoyed being together.  Even beyond being family, they had a friendship so deep.  I was thankful they allowed me into that circle.

During that summer, I grew to love and appreciate them even more.  I was welcomed into family basketball games, splashes in the pool, and family meals filled with laughter.  One of the funniest memories was when his dad tried to pray over his meal.  As soon as his head was bowed, hands would reach out from every side to remove some of the food from his plate.  (This eventually led to him praying with his arms covering his plate.)  👀

On a warm July evening, my true love proposed to me.  His dad was out bowling, so we broke the news to him after he arrived home.  He graciously shared his birthday with us.  He was never a selfish man.

A little over a year later, the entire family made the long trek from Michigan to southwest Kansas, as I began my journey as truly part of the Johnsons.  They were supportive of us, and showered so much love on us.  They had previously hosted a wedding shower when I visited Michigan--held at the home of my future husband's aunt and uncle (more fun family!).

We made our first home in Michigan.  Just about every Sunday we would find our way to their house for a time of snacking on chips, watching football (or basketball or baseball), and eating chicken (from Mr. Chicken, of course).  Those were lean times for this young couple--there was always a place at the table for us.

At this point, you're probably wondering, "Where are the stories of your father-in-law?"  You're reading them.  His dad was all about family and family time.  His love for his own children extended to me, as well as my brother-in-law and sister-in law, and, eventually his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Whenever he celebrated a birthday, his greatest wish was to be with his family.  Yes, the cards and gifts were nice, but even more wonderful was the time spent talking, laughing, and playing with his family.  It was what he most desired: making memories.

During a particularly difficult time for us, he and my mother-in-law allowed us to move in with them.  For eight months, they welcomed us into their home and wrapped us in love.  A specifically poignant moment for me occured one night when my husband was out for the evening.  The three of us sat at the table and talked about my husband's and my desire to have children.  It was a deep longing of ours.  Sadly, after five years of marriage, we were still childless.  A few minutes into the conversation, Dad left the room.  When I glanced into the living room, I saw my dear father-in-law kneeling next to their couch.  He was praying for us.  About a year later, God answered his prayers.  We were filled with joy to share the news with his family on Father's Day!

Our sons have never had to question the love of their grandparents (on either side of the family).  However, due to where we have lived, they have experienced more time with my husband's parents.  Whenever I was privileged to have my family visit from Kansas, they were welcomed with open arms into Johnson family celebrations.  My in-laws traveled to Ohio many times to watch baseball games, plays, etc.

These memories will tell you more about my father-in-law than any explanation I could otherwise give.  He was full of love, laughter, compassion, and, most of all, a love for Jesus.  Every visit would end with a time of prayer over us.  He petitioned God for safe travel and provision for his children and grandchildren.  Yes, we laughed, played games, and joked.  But we also had times of discussing Scripture and deeper subjects, too.  He loved football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, chess, and card games.  But he loved his family--and His God, above all.  He was a leader in the ways that mattered most.

I don't feel my meager words have truly captured who he was.  But as we celebrated his life yesterday, I looked at the room full of people there: people from every stage of his life.  I saw the legacy he was leaving behind.  People who always knew they were loved.  Friends who knew he cared beyond lip-service.  I heard stories of his accounting skills, and the ways he used that knowledge to help friends in need.

Let me tell you about this other man, because he, too, was my hero.  I'll miss you Dad Johnson.  But this isn't goodbye.  It's "see you later".