"Get up, get dressed, be ready for the day… because you are ALIVE!"

That's what my Pa would tell me. Ronald Crawford Johnston (my Pa), was a kindhearted, beautiful and quirky man. In many ways, it could have been his quirkiness that kept him alive and well for so many years. His absolute relentlessness for getting up no matter what, getting out in the fresh air (for a walk as long as he could), and “BEING alive because one IS alive” as he used to say.

His way of not rushing to dinner because "well then… it's only just time for happy hour", and his ability to share his techniques with me when struggling with social conflict and decision-making even well into his 90s. One example being when he came out to the living room one morning and said "Libby... see here” showing me some scribble on the back of an envelope. He said "you see… you have to get it out of your head. You must write down, the pros and the cons, and then, DECIDE… and MOVE ON”. He then showed me the list of pro’s and con’s he had been working through, the decision circled in red, he proceeded to read aloud the final sentence written in capital letters at the bottom of the page: "I WILL NOT LET THIS DESTROY ME". I have so many examples of the amazing man he was, not because he was superior but because he shared with me how he was human and ways of navigating the human journey. He never claimed to always be right, but would joke “I was wrong once”, and then be very happy to agree to disagree. Our relationship was ever so strong, and I am who I am because of him.

The most important things my Pa taught me were:

1. It doesn’t matter if you win... what matters is you get to play. There is too much value put on winning and winning at all costs. Rather than the joy and gift given in playing and playing well.

2. The reason you should be careful with your money is so you can be generous with it. Do not be greedy! As greed will leave you a sad and lonely soul.

3. When people turn their backs on you… feel it! Be disappointed!... but then let it go, walk away and BE FREE from it.

4. Give thanks to God for all that is good.

5. If something is bothering you, get it out of your head, write down your options, the pro’s and con’s, and DECIDE on what you will do next.

6. Be a friend to others and share life experiences.

7. Get up, get dressed, be ready for the day… because you are ALIVE!

In his passing, just shy of his 99th birthday, my final thoughts and speech beautifully read at his funeral by a dear friend Donna Hughes (whom I am forever grateful for), is as follows:

I want everyone to know just how much I adore my Pa (May 2025)

I admire him, I value him, I respect him, I cherish him, I honor him, I am inspired by him, and I am a better person because of him. I love my Pa.

He made me feel part of his inner circle, very much a part of his tribe, he made me feel seen, heard, and forever loved. His home was my home away from home.

He cared so much! …

…he cared for our beautiful MaMa, even throughout days of much sickness and until the very end,

…he cared for his two daughters, Diane & Beverley,

…he cared for his brother George,

…he cared for his Mumma and Pappa, “the best dad anyone could ask for” (in his own words),

…he cared for his friends and his community,

…he cared for all of us grandkids, our ‘plus-ones’ and ever-growing number of children, his great grandkids.

He welcomed us into his home, let us come and go as we liked, and always made time to share a meal, a cuppa, or “happy hour”.

He also gave us space and never fussed, often saying he was happy for us to just be and would pop his head in and say: “don’t mind me, I’m just retreating to a neutral corner for myself”. He loved hearing about our adventures, our work and our plans for the future.

He loved sharing advice and his point of view. We didn’t always agree, but conversation was ALWAYS GOOD when with Pa.

I love my Pa; I LOVED sharing life with him… My life is rich because of him.

My Pa’s words help me so much in my day-to-day. I’d love to hear what words of wisdom from your parents or grandparents help you navigate in life too. Drop me a message via the contact form below!" #sharingiscaringandcaringisfun.