Johnny's World: Life Goes On

By John Sangwin

Hi! Nate Thomas here again. Life right after graduation was quite a whirlwind. As you know, we each had our plans for the future. For some, they were thought out better. One thing for certain was that the future waited for no one, and there were those of us who could hardly wait for that next adventure. Hang on as we continue to experience 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685156749

John Sangwin

Educated at Lamar University, John Sangwin recently retired from serving for thirteen years as Minister of Music and from over thirty-two years at the Port Arthur Independent School District. He currently serves as Bible Study coordinator at Calvary Baptist Church, Port Arthur, Texas. John and wife have two children and six grandchildren. John believes telling stories is an important part of interacting with children and family. He hopes those who read about Johnny's World will be reminded of parts of their own childhoods, bringing back a smile or two.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

Hi! Nate Thomas here again. Life right after graduation was quite a whirlwind. As you know, we each had our plans for the future. For some, they were thought out better. One thing for certain was that the future waited for no one, and there were those of us who could hardly wait for that next adventure. Hang on as we continue to experience Johnny’s World.

CHAPTER 1

WHAT’S NEXT?

As I sit here reminiscing, I recall it as if it were yesterday. Waking up to the clanging of that alarm clock, announcing that it was the first day of college. I had a feeling of great anticipation as I hurried through my morning routine and headed to the breakfast table.

I heard Mom’s voice immediately, Tinsley, you found the clothes I laid out for you?

Yes, Mom, but you don’t have to do that for me. I’m in college.

But, Tinsley, I want you to look your absolute best. You know what they say about first impressions!

I really did appreciate everything my mother did for me because I knew it was out of genuine love. She had to get to work as well. As I took that last swallow of juice, I headed out the door and to the 1973 Volkswagen Beatle Dad had gotten me. It was a deep, shamrock-like green. It took me a while to adjust to the standard transmission, with all the pop the clutch and shift. Sometimes, the whole car would shake! I had to pick up Bruce Lightfoot and Walter Davidson on my way. Bruce hoped to get a law degree, but this semester, he was taking general courses. Walter was going to head toward getting a sociology degree and then to the seminary. As for me, I hoped to get a degree in secondary education with a specialization in science.

The drive to the college was about twenty miles. I realized that a V.W. Bug was not the most comfortable vehicle to travel in, especially if you are in the backseat. The guys often flipped a coin to see who got to ride up front. On that day, and many since, we spent our travel time talking about many things, most relating to the future and daily expectations.

You might wonder why I have not mentioned Johnny Sampson. A week earlier, he checked in to the Dodge City Community College in Kansas. Their school motto is In Quest of Truth. He planned to get a two-year degree and move on to attend the Texas Fireman’s Training School at Texas A&M. He planned to get his Firefighters Certification. We were all incredibly happy for him and had wished him tons of luck with a huge party. All the gang came, and then some.

As we pulled into a parking place, we heard a loud noise coming from further down the lot. It was made by the ugliest car we had ever seen. It had to be hand painted, literally. You could see the brush strokes. We could not believe it when the door screeched open and out came Todd Jenkins, our former quarterback at Appleton. He was super proud of his new set of wheels.

Hey, Todd, we yelled "where did you find