Today, July 9th, is Doug's birthday.
He's been in my thoughts a lot lately. I've been wanting to share the story of the Johnson ice chest that lives at our house. One of the first years is it Christy and Doug came up for Moose Mountain they bought a small ice chest, big enough to hold a couple of six-packs and a couple bottles of wine and some ice. As they prepared to go home Doug wrote a check to help pay for Moose Mountain expenses and in the memo line it's simply said "storage rental for hat and ice chest" It's been a wonderful addition to the Moose Mountain household. Every year we get it out, renew the Johnson label, and use it to keep things the right temperatures. One of my favorite things is when Monica calls and says, "Hey, can we borrow the Johnson?" I always visualize other people in the room when she calls and the surprised looks on their faces. Doug's hat, which hangs on the same nail where he placed it originally, has not fared quite as well. It shows the wear and tear of the sun and rain and occasional snow on Moose Mountain, just as we all do. It holds a place of honor in remembrance of our good friend, his laughter, stories shared, and support always available. So here's to you Doug, may the Johnson live long in our memories and provide plenty of smiles and surprised faces, along with warm and Loving thoughts of this good and loving man.
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