My Dad - Max M. Johnson

Nova Scotia was his birthplace, in 1888

And in the annals of the wealthy, notorious and great

Nova Scotia was his birthplace, in 1888

And in the annals of the wealthy, notorious and great

The name of Frederick Johnson you would look in vain to see,

For notorious and wealthy he was never meant to be —

Unless you measure wealth in an entirely diff’rent way

Than what most folks see as riches in this old world today.

His father, a machinist, really struggled at his trade,

Who spite of all his struggles, never quite could make the grade.

So after all had failed, when he had tried to do his best,

He sought for greener pastures, and moved his family west.

His mother was a Christian, and sweet and gentle, too;

She trusted in her Saviour, — to His Word was ever true.

But she was weak and sickly; and she died when he was young,

When his venture into manhood had only just begun.

But she left impressive footprints for my Dad, in which he trod —

And followed her example in a devoted walk with God.

But hardship pressed upon them, and my father saw the need

To bear the family’s burden; and this he did indeed.

He learned by perseverance that success comes at a cost,

That without a goal and hard work, — well, then, everything is lost.

His trust in God was honored, and his needs were all supplied;

And then, the greatest blessing: at age 29, — a bride!

My mother was a beauty, of just 20 years, and coy;

Their home was filled with happiness, with love, and peace, and joy.

But then came 1918 — and whatever was in store

For a man who for his country was called to go to war.

So he kissed his lovely sweetheart, not knowing if, or when,

He would feel the warmth and comfort of her loving arms again.

But he just arrived for duty, when the news all waited for

Was flashed across the nation — “This day the war is o’er!”

With thanks to God for sparing him, to home he turned with joy,

Back to a loving wife, and also to — a little baby boy!

And then the Great Depression of the 20’s came along

With trials, tests, and hardships to rob many of their song.

And father lost his job, along with many hundreds more

And was cast upon God’s mercy, perhaps as ne’er before.

And day by day he made the rounds, but no one took him on,

So with faith and confidence in God, he struck out on his own.

A trav’ling salesman he became, — no guarantee of pay —

What he earned was 10 percent of what he sold each day.

So if his home was to survive, if he would sink or swim,

And if his wife and little boy had food — ‘twas up to him.

And what he learned in all of this was — To our Lord be true;

And make the best of what you have, and He’ll take care of you.

Max M. Johnson