Goodnight Father

My father, Lawrence R. Johnson, passed away tonight. Suddenly. It looks like he had a heart attack while driving after attending a Northwestern basketball game.

Like I said about my aunt 4 months ago, he was a good Johnson:

"The Johnson Family" was a turn-of-the-century expression to designate good bums and thieves. It was elaborated into a code of conduct. A Johnson honors his obligations. His word is good and he is a good man to do business with. A Johnson minds his own business. He is not a snoopy, self-righteous, trouble-making person. A Johnson will give help when help needed. He will not stand by while someone is drowning or trapped under a burning car.

(by WS Burroughs)

Thoughts are difficult right now, I had a troubled, yet amazing relationship with him.

I was surprised at the peace in his face at the hospital.

The Unseen

Death went up the hall
Unseen by every one,
Trailing twilight robes
Past the nurse and the nun.
He paused at every door
And listened to the breath
Of those who did not know
How near they were to Death.
Death went up the hall
Unseen by nurse and nun;
He passed by many a door --

But he entered one.

Sara Teasdale

Goodnight Father, may your heart prove to have been feather light.