Why do I ride?
Feel free to read my memoir below to learn about the life of my Grandfather, Mr. William E. Johnson, and the impact that he had on my life as well as those of everyone he was close to. In 2021 I rode in his honor. In 2022, I will ride in his memory...
A memoir for William E. Johnson (December 25, 1928 - February 23,2022):
Some Heroes wear capes and others wear… Brooks Brothers
My Grandfather, Mr. William E. Johnson, was my living hero. He, along with my Grandmother, had a major impact on mine and my sibling’s upbringing. They instilled important values within us and taught us to be respectful, honorable, to have good character, to work hard, to be giving, and to value our education. My Grandfather taught me to never judge a man by his appearance, by his race or color, his creed, his past, but rather to consider his character. Despite his humble upbringing and having a limited formal education, my Grandfather believed in educating himself. He read daily and often placed a book in mine or my sibling’s hands, encouraging us to read for pleasure and to educate ourselves about the world around us. There were countless newspaper and journal articles and biographies and autobiographies that he “assigned” to us. While not exactly my idea of fun at the time, that “homework” sparked a love for reading and value for education that would stay with me for years to come. Grandpa’s work ethic was inspiring. He dedicated himself to his occupation and served in his role dutifully for decades. He also, for many years, left that job in the evening to work into the late hours building his janitorial business. His determination, his grit, and his refusal to give nothing other than his best has and will continue to be an inspiration to me. His example, as well as my Grandmother’s and parent’s, continues to motivate me to work as hard as I do. I was always taught to never “halfway” do something and to give meaning to my work by doing my best. Grandpa also believed in quality over quantity and had fine taste. For me, he epitomized a fine gentleman. He was sharp in his dress and manners. We were expected to speak to our elders with respect and care, to hold open doors for others, show chivalry to women, and greet others that we came into contact with. A handshake was firm and a smile warm and genuine. Impeccable in his dress, Grandpa wore his trademark Brooks Brothers attire, expensive “penny” loafers, suit jackets, Kangol hats, and Oxford shirts, pressed and laundered to perfection. He even did yard work in khaki pants! He saved until he had enough to buy whatever he needed and wanted. From there, he took care of all he owned so that everything lasted. His home and vehicles were maintained with love and care, his shoes often resoled, shirts and pants tailored and mended, and everything treated with consideration for the effort that it took to obtain them. He told stories regularly and kept us laughing. He often impersonated the mighty chiefs of our American Indian ancestors and shared comical stories, chronicling the antics of both his co-workers and the many travelers he encountered at work. My brother Nasir and I spent almost every other weekend with him. He would pick us up on Friday evenings so that he could treat us to our haircuts on Saturday mornings. Our trips to see Mrs. Douglas, our barber and friend, were always eventful and exciting. The sound of laughter and stories shared, of clippers and scissors at work, the hustle man hawking his wares, the smell of baby powder mixed with that of the old building we were in, and the burn and later cooling feeling of the Osage rub at the end of our haircuts are ingrained in my memory of that time. From the barber shop we would run errands with him all day and then spend a lazy Sunday with my Grandparents before returning home. Nasir and I were affectionately nicknamed his “running buddies.” That time spent with him and my Grandmother represents some of my most fond memories in life thus far. For those acts of service, taking care of us, spending time with us and helping my parents, I am so grateful and appreciative of the blessing that my Grandparents were in our lives. Later in life, Grandpa was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. A debilitating disorder of the brain that affects memory, cognition, and the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks, Alzheimer’s disease changed Grandpa in many ways. After his diagnosis, he no longer told the stories that entertained us for years, didn’t speak or read much, and was unable to carry out his normal activities of daily living. At times he didn’t remember us and on other days he did. However, he was still with us, despite seeming to be so far away… In his final years, I had the privilege of being able to express my gratitude and love for Grandpa by serving him with a small act of service by doing what he did for my brother and I for years. When it became difficult for Grandpa to make it to the barbershop, I was able to visit him at home and help him with his haircut, shave, and grooming so that he more closely resembled the Grandpa that we all knew him to be. Later, when Winter Storm Uri’s devastating effects took Grandpa’s home from him, I had the honor of caring for him in my home. While that time was challenging and difficult, I am eternally grateful for having had the opportunity to serve him and express my love for the lifetime of service that he gave to myself, my family, and many others. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank all of you for your support and for your part in raising awareness and funds for Alzheimer's research. Together, we are stronger and closer to finding a cure! Thank you again and as Grandpa would say, “Peace and Love”
- Samir Zubair
Cheer Me On!