My blended Garton/Johnson/Cox/Simmons/Gwin/Langham family first came together about twelve and a half years ago when my now father-in-law Brett Garton married Julie. I remember as a college senior being at their home wedding, meeting a ton of my future family for the first time, and feeling a little overwhelmed. Christine Johnson (who I also hardly knew at the time) sensing that, came over and struck up some friendly conversation. It was an act of kindness and grace, the first of many. Christine made me feel like I had always been a part of her family. She showed my wife Sarah and me the warm love of a grandmother, and when we had children she became Nanny to our two girls, Lillian and Rebekah. There was no trial period for us; her love was unconditional from the very start, it's just who she was. We have always had an open invitation to she and Lewis Hot Johnson's home and they've welcomed us with open arms. I am truly thankful that I was able to be her family, if only for a short period of time. I am thankful for her example and for the values she passed on. Those values will now be a part of my children's lives as they grow up with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Christine's impact will live on in our lives, and for that I am truly grateful.
