When I was still a grad student, I was a teaching assistant for an introductory computer science course for non-engineering majors. It was a large class, and I had two discussion sections, each with about thirty students. I tried my best to remember my students names, especially the ones that consistently came. One of these students was Johnny.
Fast forward to the next semester. I was greeting for our church, and Johnny walks through the door. Needless to say, we were both surprised to see each other. I was happy to see one of my old students, but it was weird at the same time. The awkward moment passed quickly, and it was so good to see him at church as well as other college students.
You see, I was very involved with the college ministry at our church, and I really had a heart for all the students in our church. I wanted to prepare them for the “real world” after they graduate, especially finding a church and getting plugged in. Because of this, Johnny and our family started getting to know each other better through church functions and talking at church.
One thing that has always struck me about Johnny is that he is very open and honest. He’s also very optimistic and positive. He’s very real, very vulnerable, when you talk to him. He has a heart for God and talks about the Lord openly . When I would ask Johnny a question, he would tell me what was on his mind and share very personal things and struggles, even early on when we didn’t know each other that well. It was refreshing to be around Johnny.
Johnny and our family really bonded over the summer before he left for work; I believe it was summer of 2010. He had already gotten a position, but he couldn’t start work until November. Johnny was studying for his CPA exams, and he didn’t have any source of income after being fired from his temporary position. With the generosity of the church, he was able to stay in a friend’s house while it was put on the market to be sold. We told him that he was to come over for dinner almost every evening that he was free so that he would not have to worry about spending money on dinner. It was over these dinners, that our family really bonded and connected with Johnny. Sean would be excited about having “Mr. Johnny” over, and it was nice for Nat and I to have adult company. The evenings were very relaxed, and Johnny would come and go as he pleased.
It was during those times that Johnny would share what was on his mind, and so would we. Some things were lighthearted (like talking about Johnny’s absolute favorite sports newscaster, Andrea Kramer, just kidding), and other things were serious. He would share about his fears jumping into the real world in New York, budgeting, and his spiritual life. We listened and gave some advice. He would also asked how we were doing, and it was nice to have someone to keep us accountable spiritually.
It was hard to see Johnny go, but even though he left, we’ve still been able to keep in touch. He’s one of those people that even though you haven’t talked to each other for months, when you talk, it’s like time didn’t pass. He’s been just as open and honest with how things were going, and he has been just as caring about us as before he left. Nat and I joke that though Johnny is our peer, he is like our son too. Johnny is such a great role model, and I would love for our sons to look up to him and model themselves after him (in addition to my fabulous husband Nat ^_^).
Johnny is the first male outside of my family and husband that I tell him I love him, because I do: like a friend, a brother in Christ, and like a son at times. I asked Nat if this was weird, but he said it wasn’t; he wasn’t threatened by it, but understood. In fact, Nat loves Johnny as much as I love him. Johnny is family to us, even though we’re not blood related. Our relationship with Johnny reminds me a lot of Nat’s relationship with Joe and Cindy. Joe & Cindy took Nat in when he was working in California. Their relationship blossomed from strangers in the same small group, to best friends, and family. I feel like Johnny is for us how Nat is for Joe and Cindy. A little full-circle, if you will. :)
We’re so blessed to have you, Johnny, in our lives, our dear brother! Love, the Thompsons!