The Johnson family is sprawling. My father, the eldest of 13 big-headed, Black Irish children, is uncle to 40 plus. My grandparents, of the Kalamazoo Johnsons, have been inundated with waves of grandchildren. We range in ages from 40ish to 10, and for the last 5 years there has been another wave of babies being born.
With all those Johnsons, it's hard to keep track of who is going away for the summer, who is graduating from high school this year, who won student of the month. Hence, Johnson Jottings- the monthly newsletter that Grandma has been typing on her typewriter for the better part of 2 decades.
The latest issue arrived yesterday. The first paragraph is always Grandma's love note to the family, where she reflects on the weather we've had and, frequently, how blessed we all are to have each other.
This month's reads: Here we are in the midst of Summer. The weather has been very hot and humid but I hear that more comfortable weather is coming this weekend. I sure hope so. You know that hot and humid is not my favorite thing. I hear that many of you have been camping and traveling to many different places. I hope that everyone is able to have a fun time this Summer and to have a lot of family time together. Before you know it, the kids will be off to school, especially the college kids, and things will be changing for a lot of you. New babies are coming and grandkids are moving off into all different parts of the country and I guess that one thing is clear . . . that things will always be changing. Enjoy your time together while you can and have fun and be safe. Happy Summer to all of you. Be sure to take time for ice cream along the way, ok? Dad and I went to the Parlour the other day for a sundae and a malt. It was like old times. Be sure you give it a try.
I've taken her advice.
