Here is a pic of my dad, Charles William (Bill) Johnson. My dad spent his entire life working hard, proving to the world (and to himself) that he could be a good businessman with just a high school diploma, some "street smarts" and a lot of good common sense. He did just that, and amongst other things, was very successful in the trucking industry. He worked for the Greater Iowa Leasing Company when we lived in Iowa, then for Hertz, then Transportation Equipment Rentals; and also started his own company, Consolidated Fleet Systems. He finished his career working for Petrolane, in Long Beach. He taught me to care about what I did, whatever I chose to do. He taught me the importance of being loyal, and to value my integrity. He showed me how to do an honest days work, and to keep my family first. My dad passed away suddenly on December 28, 1985 from a ruptured aortic aneurysm. He was not a particularly "huggy" kind of guy, but on Christmas Eve, 1985, he gave me a huge hug as he left my home, and told me how much he loved me. What a gift from God! That was the last time I saw my dad alive. I miss him so much!
Next I'd like to honor two more great dads, my husband Mike, and his dad Al Doriguzzi. Mike is such a great dad to our kids! He was never as huggy (kind of like my dad) as I was, or as soft and wishy washy as I was when we were raising our kids. But, he is strong, a good provider, and very level headed. Our kids know who to go to when they need an analytically thought out answer to a problem, or someone logical that is not wrapped up in the emotion of a problem. They know they can depend on their dad for help in any situation, whether that be help moving, putting in yards and sprinklers, or just a shoulder to lean on. He is a strong believer in Jesus Christ, and a strict adherer to His word. I am so thankful that he is the father of my children!
Here is a picture of Mike and his dad in Alaska last year! Mike's dad, Al, has become a second dad for me. He is much the same as Mike in his thoughts and ways. He has recently become a strong follower of Christ as well, and is very involved in the bible teaching church he now attends with his wife, Susie. We are happy that he lives nearby, and that he is a big part of our lives. I am grateful that he cares for me as if I were his daughter.Happy Father's Day, Dads!
