Remembering how Johnny lived

He was a husband.

A father.

A tool-and-die mechanic.

A baseball coach.

A fighter.

However, on Thursday, Jan.12, Johnny Lynn Furtick lost his 6-year battle with acute myelocytic leukemia despite his determination and love and support of others.

Not just from family, but also from friends, churches, and total strangers — all having the same goal to help ease some of the family’s financial situation, as well as to help maintain Johnny’s last years on earth.

When his insurance expired, there were still the weekly trips to the hospital for blood and life-extending chemo.

When Johnny could no longer work, there was still the mortgage and living expenses.

When Johnny’s situation went public, dozens of you responded in the form of financial contributions.

Others held car washes, bake sales, yard sales, a golf tournament.

All wanting to relieve Johnny’s pain.

But as one minister said at Johnny’s internment, “Don’t remember how Johnny died, but remember how Johnny lived.”

And when his health permitted, he lived life to the fullest.

He loved the outdoors.

As a baseball coach he taught and influenced hundreds.

As an avid sportsman, he loved the hunt of deer.

As a husband and father, he provided for his family.

Perhaps Johnny has taught us all something.

There are other “Johnnies” in our communities that are also in need. All that is needed is someone to come forward, someone to offer a ride, a meal, a phone call.

Perhaps Johnny’s death has reminded us all.

Life IS short, but an eternity awaits us.

Buyer beware

There’s an old adage, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

Just ask any Louisiana insurance broker.

If you are in the market for a used car, I hope you read Mary Hunt’s syndicated column that appeared in this newspaper recently.

The used car market is literally flooded!

According to Ms. Hunt, “experts are warning us that as many as 500,000 cars submerged in the toxic waters around New Orleans will be totalled by insurance companies, sold at auction and then shipped around the country for resale.”

Also says Ms. Hunt, “some states including Louisiana require that flood damage be indicated on the cars title.”

“But the title can be ’washed’ by state-to-state transfers.”

Illegal.

Hunt’s article went on to offer the following suggestions if shopping for a used car.