Johnson Christmas Letter, Volume XXXIV

Merry Christmas from Da Johnsons! Through the years, we’ve sat through many classes on marriage, financial planning, and child-rearing. We know how to balance a checkbook, drive a stick, and cook in an Instapot. But no one teaches you how to care for parents. You get to figure that out on your own. 

In 2021, we got schooled in caregiving. We learned how to track and order dozens of meds. We got educated on testing sugar levels, injecting insulin, and limiting S’mores consumption. We practiced quarantining, Covid transfusions, and hearing aid adjustments. We negotiated two hip replacement surgeries and, thanks to Steve’s ill-advised cave tour, a broken foot. We became adept at hearing and responding to a parent on the move in the middle of the night. We got a dad into assisted living and then got him out. We learned how to manage another set of accounts, passwords, and bills. We got to know dozens of healthcare professionals throughout the county, and a few cops at an accident scene. We learned the joy of VA paperwork and unreturned phone calls, and that the timely administration of Coumadin and stool softeners earns you street cred. We learned to caveat vacation and social plans with “if we’re able” and where to find discount garage ramps, walkers, and toilet seat risers. We learned to talk loudly at the supper table and repeat every sentence. And, in case you ever need one, we now know how to give a sponge bath with dignity.

More importantly, we learned to sigh at the end of the day. And smile. And hug. And pray. And vent a little. We learned to remind each other that caregiving is an awesome responsibility and a privilege…a way to honor the people who brought you into the world and cared for you for many years. More than anything, we feel blessed by this season of life.

Of course, 2021 was about more than just caregiving. In April, with Janet’s sister Cathy helping us on the home front, we spent an incredible month in Maui! Steve was asked to preach for a congregation there, and we got to snorkel with sea turtles, see waterfalls from a helicopter, hike a dozen trails, whale watch on a dinner cruise, nap on some of the world’s finest beaches, and party at a luau. Also, while traveling the Road to Hana, Tarzan Steve swung from a vine at a watering hole and was rewarded with 11 staples in his head. 

In addition to her caregiving duties, Janet is working on her Master of Crochet degree. If she can visualize it, she can make it. She also enjoyed speaking at a couple of Ladies Days this year and handling communication for the Ladies ministry.

Steve continues to observe the world around him and write about it, often at coffee shops. In addition to blogging, he’s bouncing between three book projects. He continues to sub all grades at Knoxville Christian School and speak to the Blount County prisoners twice per month. Janet also allowed him to sneak away this year to do disaster relief in Waverly TN and Jean Lafitte LA, with a trip to Mayfield KY upcoming. 

In October, we headed to the Florida gulf coast for our niece’s wedding and much-needed beach time with our children. Our sons and their wives make us proud every day. Jason is battling Lyme disease, an illness which has led him to transition from prosthetics to working from home. Kyle became the Preaching Minister at Lafayette Church of Christ this year and continues to impact lives in this new position. 

We hope your 2022 is a special one. If you need to get away to the mountains, please stop by and stay in our basement suite. Our free “Airbnb” comes with Roku TV, unlimited Keurig coffee, and a complimentary sponge bath.

Merry Christmas!