Feed

John Lawrence Atkinson is an author, caregiver, advocate, husband, and man of deep Christian faith whose life is a powerful testimony to love, perseverance, healing, and second chances.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in the projects of Far Rockaway, Queens, John learned early that life could be difficult—but he also discovered the strength found in family, faith, and determination. His upbringing shaped his compassionate heart and gave him a deep understanding of people who feel forgotten, overlooked, or burdened by circumstances beyond their control.
On June 10, 1984, John met James Hayward Wiggins aboard an A train in New York City. That meeting began an extraordinary relationship lasting thirty-four years and six months. Together, they built a life rooted in loyalty, companionship, service, and unconditional love. Their journey took them from New York to Tampa, Florida, and later to Las Vegas, Nevada, where they served their community as peer educators. They also opened their hearts and home to their foster son, Mario Jean-Marie Ellis.
As James’s health declined, John became his devoted caregiver. He remained by James’s side through illness, uncertainty, and some of the most painful moments of their lives. When James passed away on December 4, 2018, following triple-bypass surgery, John’s world changed forever. The loss left him struggling with grief, depression, and chronic anxiety. Yet even in his darkest season, God had not finished writing his story.
After James’s passing, John moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the love and encouragement of close friends helped him begin rebuilding his life. Then, on May 20, 2021, he met Terrill Lamont Atkinson through Facebook Dating. Their connection became proof that love can return after heartbreaking loss—not to replace what came before, but to create something new and beautiful.
John found the courage to overcome his fear of long-distance driving and moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina, on July 30, 2022, to begin a new chapter with Terrill. Just days earlier, on July 17, 2022, he had also made the life-changing decision to stop smoking. On December 15, 2023, John and Terrill were married in a courthouse ceremony witnessed by their dear friends Yevonne “Sweet Tea” Whitfield and Geraldine “Gerri” Sherard. John proudly took the Atkinson name, symbolizing the beginning of their life together as husbands.
Their marriage is built upon communication, tenderness, faith, and a promise to stand beside one another through every season. Each night, they share a kiss and say, “I love you,” never allowing a day to end without expressing their gratitude for one another.
Their beloved Shih Tzu, JT Hollywood Atkinson, is also an important member of their family. During a frightening medical emergency when John experienced chest pains and a heart rate of 179 beats per minute, JT alerted Terrill and remained close until paramedics arrived. That unforgettable moment inspired John’s book, My Dog, My Hero: A True Story of Loyalty, Love, and Courage.
John has faced serious health challenges, including a heart condition, Stage 3 kidney disease, depression, and anxiety. However, he refuses to allow illness to define the limits of his life. Instead, he has transformed his struggles into purpose through writing.
For many years, John wrote privately because he feared failure. Eventually, he found the courage to share his words with the world. Today, he is the author of a growing collection of books exploring faith, caregiving, grief, family secrets, mystery, resilience, authentic love, and the possibility of beginning again. His works include The Caregiver’s Promise, The Measure of a Good Man, The Promise in Sickness, The Lives We Never Told, The Last Sunday, The Silent Witness, and My Dog, My Hero.
John writes for people who have loved deeply, cared for someone through illness, survived devastating loss, battled fear, or wondered whether life could ever become meaningful again. His stories remind readers that grief and hope can live in the same heart, that caregiving is one of love’s greatest sacrifices, and that hidden dreams can still come alive when someone finally finds the courage to pursue them.
Above everything else, John credits God for carrying him through every chapter of his journey. His life has taught him that prayer does not always remove the struggle, but faith provides the strength to keep moving through it.
John Lawrence Atkinson’s story is not simply about the hardships he has endured. It is about the love he has given, the lives he has touched, the family he has built, and the hope he continues to share. His legacy is one of courage, compassion, authenticity, and unwavering devotion—a reminder that even after tremendous loss, God can open the door to healing, renewed purpose, and a beautiful second chance at life and love.
Scroll across the top to see link to my books and donations are highly appreciated.