David Philip Johnson
The most important thing about my dad is that he is a man of God. I was too young to remember it, but he used to teach my Preschool Sunday school class. Years later he taught an adult Sunday school class and I preferred to come to his class than go to my own, it made me proud to sit under his teaching. He led our family in devotions. He knew the Word and I knew I could go to him with the questions I had and he would know the answer or know where to find them.
He was the leader of our family. He ultimately made the decisions of our family. He would seek mom’s advice and our opinions but ultimately he would make the call. He brought us together as a family through family night, where we would play games together, he taught me to love Risk and Railbaron. Sometimes we would even go see a movie. This meant a lot to me and I could see how we were very different from other families in the neighborhood. He was our protector, if only I would have listened more. When it came to the boys in my life he really did know what he was talking about. He knows me and what I need.
My dad is a jack of all trades. The man can make almost anything with his hands. Most of my furniture was hand-crafted by my father. He repaired and maintained the cars (unless the repairs were too difficult). I remember him replacing the Nova’s engine, using that huge lift to get it in, I still think he can fix anything on a car. Dad loves to sit down and build intricate model boats as a hobby. I can’t comprehend how he creates all the fine details, when his hands shake as much as mine do. The boats he has given us impress all who dare to ask where they came from.
Dad worked hard to provide for our family even though many days he would rather have been doing something else. Dad was made to be outside and I am so glad that is his occupation now. I remember vacations to Maine, where we would relax and dad would be working on the tractors, that was recreation to him. He is great at finances, although we never had a lot, dad would make it work, and we were never deprived of anything we needed. He taught me how to save and budget my money. He is very giving also, when my car died the day before they were to move he just decidedly announced they would buy me a car and I could pay them back later.
He had a hard time showing his emotions, but would cry when we needed to see his love and how much he cared. I know I hurt him many times with my words and actions but his love for me never changed. He showed me how proud of me he was. I remember if he was out of town for a play or choral performance he would send my flowers and a little note.
Many traits I have acquired from my father. He shares with me a love for all animals. Dad would own a zoo if mom would tolerate it. It would sadden him to see an animal die, he got attached to them so easily. He appreciated creation and would grow food from the sweat of his brow. He always enjoyed eating what he sowed and reaped. I remember him trying to hype us up about radishes and peas. Even though to this day I can’t stand peas, they make me ill. He gave me a love for the outdoors, taking us camping and hiking almost every summer. We also share an immense fear of snakes, even the thought of them gives us the heebie-jeebies.
My dad is a kid at heart. He would always play around with us. When hiking or camping he would pretend there were bears following us, and they would all have names. I think he sometimes relates more to kids than adults. Many days we have shared fish kisses and burp wars, I think I win.
I am so glad that God gave me to you!
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