Joe Johnston

Austin, TX

You and I.

5.75 years doing the dance.

When I came to you half a decade ago, I was in search of 3 things: sunshine, a different perspective and people, and a greater version of myself.

You gave me that and so much more.

We arrived. We said hello. We discovered. We enjoyed the solitude. We were lonely. We healed. We leveled up. We grew. We transformed. We learned. We BECAME. We cried. We loved. We invested in ourselves. We took the leap. We succeeded. We failed. We got back up again. We healed the boy…to become a man.

To the coaches and mentors, thank you for seeing in me things I didn’t see within myself. You made me realize that the version of me I was seeking was, and always has been, within me. And that wherever I am in the world — that version of me is and always will be there.

To the softball boys - thanks for the opportunity to earn my spot on the line up and for the reminder that on the field, respect is earned through performance. Gonna miss taking hits away for us, hitting dingers with the boys and the weekly Krieg rips.

To the homies who became brothers — thank you for showing me what true masculinity and brotherhood really is. Can’t wait for visits back, trips together, long phone calls on what’s going on in business and life, and having you next to me in a few years for my wedding day.

I came to you in search of a greater version of myself.

You first accepted me as I was and then helped me discover and become that version of myself.

A happier, more fulfilled, more generous, more satisfied version of myself.

You were everything I was in search of; everything I NEEDED - and more.

A different way of living.

A different way to exist.

A different lens in which to view this beautiful journey we call life.

One filled with smiles, kindness, love, support, shirtless runs…

And sunshine…Every. Single. Fucking. Day.

Thank you - for everything.

Until we meet again…

Austin, TX.

A forever love.

“…when to run when ya young…when to come back home”

#learneditfromtheradio