PHOTOGRAPHY: 2009

for school, we had to write a paper. in the paper, we had to imply a life lesson or message selected from a list of about 15. i chose family is the most important thing. :) the outcome:

a man and a message to remember

Vere Hodges Johnson left this world having lived a full 86 years, with some of his children, including my father, at his side. The head of the Johnson family was now gone. After four years of loneliness without his wife, he would finally join her up above. Family came from all around to celebrate and remember the man who loved everyone, especially his family. My relatives and I all cried, laughed, and reminisced about all of our memories together with our grandfather and each other. Even though he is gone, my grandfather lives in all of our memories as a man of values, virtue, and love. I will never forget that man in my life.
Grandpa was one of the most amazing and funniest people I have known. His huge belly laugh would fill the room with joy as fast as a light bulb turns on when you flip a switch. One of the funniest things about Grandpa was how frugal he thought he was. Thanksgiving sales were his favorite; it was a time to find the best deals, and buy whatever he could at the best prices, even if he had no use for it.
Time spent with him was always enjoyed, because you felt loved. His descendents number almost 150, and each has learned from his love. I doubt any person has a heart as large as my grandfather did. Not only was he funny, Grandpa was one of the most giving people. As a dentist, often, he would take the poor and needy people off of the streets and give them a check up, with no charge. It was obvious the joy of giving was his payment. Nobody was unwelcome, and everyone was loved.
The death of my grandmother changed him permanently. Winifred Amacher Johnson was the love of his life. I don’t think I have ever seen someone as deeply sorrowful as my grandfather was after the death of grandma. However, Grandma and Grandpa were lucky. In 1994, she suffered from a horrible heart attack. Nobody was sure if she would survive. But she did, and it changed her life. She was one of the kindest, most caring people after that life threatening experience. I cannot imagine what my grandfather would have been like if she had died at that time. The joy she brought into his life was indescribable. After her death, he was not the same man; for years he suffered, his heart ached, and his longing to see her again was larger than life itself. Death actually seemed appealing, as he would be able to hold her in his arms again. Four short years were all we had left with him, and we tried our best to be there for him and cheer him up. We would take him places, cook him food, or sit there for hours listening to his stories.
One summer, after my grandmother had died, my family took my grandpa up to visit her grave. He grew up in Beaver Dam, Utah, where my grandma was buried, and the whole time driving up there, he told us stories of his childhood. Our minds were filled with a vivid movie of his life. When he told his stories, you were in the film itself, watching each misfortune or prank take place. His adventures growing up were amazing. If you wanted entertainment, you could just ask him for a story, and a smile would not be off your face for the next week. Laughter filled the car, and we loved each moment of that brief trip.
Although Grandpa is gone, memories still flood our minds as we remember that man. His example inspired each of us to strive to live as he did. At the funeral, you couldn’t help but notice the peace, tranquility, and happiness that was now on his restful face. The pain that had plagued his old body for so long was now gone. More importantly, he was going home to his family. Of course, he left us all behind, but he would always be there for us. I have no doubt that he is cheering each member of the Johnson family on as we face life.

i loved grandpa :)