Brian Johnson, Computer Winner

Maintenance Technician | Rock Glen Nursing and Rehab | Baltimore, MD

Eight years ago, Brian Johnson Sr., now a maintenance technician at Baltimore’s Rock Glen Nursing and Rehab center, took a break on the front steps of his workplace. He noticed a woman doing the same and they struck up a brief conversation. The pattern continued for several days, but Johnson felt shy. He wanted to take the relationship to another level but didn’t have the words.

Fortunately, Johnson had a secret weapon - his computer diary. Every day he entered the things he thought and felt. So it was natural that he began entering what he would like to say to the woman on the steps. Before long, he found himself actually speaking those words. The words led to dates, and the dates to marriage to his current wife Krishina.

Johnson told that story recently when asked about the new computer he won in 1199SEIU’s computer giveaway.

“I have a desktop that I use for the internet, my journal, computer games and movies. But now that I have this laptop, I’ll have a computer everywhere, even when I’m not at home,” he says.

A computer journal is therapeutic, Johnson says, because it allows him to record the good times, vent frustration or simply calm himself.

“And maybe my kids or grandchildren will read it someday, and learn from my mistakes and accomplishments,” he adds.

Johnson is “very appreciative” of the 1199SEIU computer giveaway program. “It’s good for everyone to have a computer,” he says. “Technology is taking over, and no one should be left behind.”