CHARLES JOHNSON
Lake Worth

Grandpa, 4-year-old share love, tattered trailer

While it’s true that Charles Johnson has given his 4-year-old grandson, Alex, a place to live, it’s equally true that Alex has given Charles a reason to live.
“He’s made my life so much better,” says Charles, 70. “He’s not the only one benefiting from this. It’s more me than him.”
Alex’s mother is addicted to drugs and lives out of state. No other family members stepped up to care for Alex. They even tried to dissuade Charles from adopting Alex when he was a baby.
He wouldn’t hear of it.
“I said, ‘No way,’ ” says Johnson, who has five children, 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. “Back in the olden days, family took care of family.”
Their caseworker at Families First of Palm Beach County, Krista Stone, says the love shared by Alex and his “Papa” is “almost infectious.”
Their most pressing need is new housing. Two twin beds (Alex’s is made up with a colorful dinosaur quilt) take up almost all the space in the only bedroom of the decrepit trailer they share in Lake Worth.
The trailer lost most of its awnings during the hurricanes, but termites have rendered the worst damage, creating holes in the floor and walls that require constant patching.
The bathroom ceiling leaks, the kitchen sink and counter are falling apart, and there’s no electricity in half the living area.
“The repairs … I don’t even know what they would cost,” Charles says.
And the trailer park where they live is no place for a child. Traffic moves too quickly on the narrow streets for Alex to ride his bike, and there’s no playground.
“My dream is to get Alex out of here,” Johnson says.
Charles collects a $1,106 Social Security check each month, and, as Charles’ dependent, Alex recently began receiving $553 a month from Social Security as well.
“I know my way around buying cheap,” Charles says. “But every time you save a few dollars, something happens.”
For example, it took Charles eight years to save enough money to buy his 1993 Saturn, and he’s worried it’s developing transmission problems.
Next to the worn sofa in the living room are Alex’s toy cars and trains — most of which are hand-me-downs. He also has many books and educational DVDs, and Charles would love it if Alex received a few educational games for Christmas.
If only someone could promise Charles longevity …
“I worry a lot about dying,” says Charles, whose medical history includes a minor stroke, pneumonia and multiple hip replacements.
Nevertheless, he rides his bike daily and does aerobics twice a week through the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. “I’m trying to make myself live longer,” he says.
“I want to live for him.”

Charles and Alex Johnson’s wishes

What he asked for: Multiple repairs for their decrepit trailer in Lake Worth, which is in a trailer park that isn’t child-friendly. Also, games and a bicycle for Alex.

What he received: A Park Vista High School English class collected cash, gift cards and toys totaling about $1,000. Alex now has a bicycle and educational games. Season to Share cash will be used toward a new mobile home when all the money has come in.

What he says: “It’s overwhelming. I didn’t think there was that many nice people in the world. I don’t know if it’s a result of a hard life, but I’m overwhelmed with the cards and the money that has come in. It’s given me a whole new life. I would have raised my grandson no matter what, but this has made my life so much easier.”

Nominated by: Families First of Palm Beach County
Address: 1720 E. Tiffany Dr., Suite 101, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Phone: (561) 881-5572
Its mission: To create opportunities with families to embrace their hope, strength and potential for change.

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