The Way We Played

At only nine weeks old, Johnnie Johnson's parents were informed that their son was diagnosed with pyloric stenosis. Due to Johnnie's weakened and emaciated condition, the doctor felt certain Johnnie would not survive corrective surgery. However, the doctor felt there was no other choice and did say, "If Johnnie survives this, he'll live to be one hundred."Fortunately, the operation proved successful, and Johnnie was once again united with his siblings. The Johnson household eventually was filled with five rambunctious kids that were constantly up to some sort of shenanigans. From roller-skating on the roof to putting the smaller kids in the clothes dryer, this household of kids tested everyone's patience. Whether it be Mom, the live-in maid, or Aunt Betty (affectionately labeled "The Old Sow"), they were all eventually at their wits' end.One Saturday morning, Mom simply walked out the door, stepped into a motor home, and drove away. The maid simply disappeared. Aunt Betty, well she decided to move to Arizona! Though somewhat perplexed at all these departures, the kids knew they didn't need supervision!

-- Ronnie Howard