If you see me in a mask, don’t be offended.  I am trying to help both of us.

I got here on March 18th of 1968.  The morning I pushed my way into the world, something was wrong.  My lungs.  They were not ready for this world. My mother had to wait days to hold me. I don’t think my lungs were ready for this world.

With the exception to two quick trips to Denver, Colorado, I don’t think my lungs have served me like they are supposed to.  During those trips, I distinctly remember the freedom I felt when I could physically feel cool air hit places in my lungs I did not know existed.  One of those trips was in 2011 to see The Moody Blues play at Red Rocks.  The other was an education conference I attended in 2014.  I still hold those few days in high memory regard.

Before this year, the last six Carrie and I have headed to the Northeast for a couple of weeks.  The humidity and air quality there is much better.  Thanks to Covid, we had to cancel that trip this year.  I have felt it too.

I wear the mask.  I need it.

When I was in the 7th grade I could not play football.  Breathing problems.  This is not a good thing when your Dad is the head coach of the high school team.  It was miserable.

Made it through my 8th grade year.  I started allergy shots too.

My 9th grade football season was tough breathing wise.  I had an inhaler in my sock at all times.  There were times when I pushed myself beyond places I should have.  I still remember one day.  I was wrapped up in fresh cut grass trying to catch my breath…sucking on my inhaler mad at the world.  Coach Tim Harbison came over and calmed me down.  He told me he knew I was a football player,  when I wasn’t feeling like one.  I was sucking wind like Secretariat down the stretch and not catching near enough.

When my dear wife, Carrie, and I are not in the Northeast, we are on the North Carolina coast.  The air is kinder there too.  Truth is, I was not made for this Ohio Valley climate.  I deal with it.  I don’t like it.

In 2004 I had trouble breathing.  To the hospital I went.  An ambulance ride saw my blood pressure plummet.  There was doubt.

I had a heart cath.  Heart was good.  Breathing was not.

In the years since I have made the most of it.  I’m still here.

A week or so ago, without the benefit of a trip to The Berkshires and without an allergy shot since March 17th, I called my doc.  I couldn’t breathe without thinking long and hard about it.  Involuntary breathing is a gift folks.  Doc sent me a steroid and an antibiotic to my pharmacy.  We both knew it would clear me up.  It did.

I walked over nine miles today.  Loved it.  Enjoyed breathing in and out.  Am smiling about  it now.

Am about to start a new job at Paoli High School and I am so excited to do so.  Just know, this ole boy will probably wear a mask longer than the rest of you.  I call it self-preservation.  I love my life.  I want it to keep going for a while.

Now…That is speaking the rights!

Danny Johnson