I sent Megan a happy birthday text, noting that Jack Benny was her current age for years. Her reply was a humorous but solemn reminder, “Thanks! You know I had to google Jack Benny.?♀️” Indeed, I grew up listening and watching Jack with my parents but he is long gone. I had to smile at the emoji as that is Margie’s reaction to most questions or requests. So as to prolong the memory of Mr. Benny I must remind you of his very subtle sense of humor and timing, he often got his laughs with just a pregnant pause, a single expression, or his signature exasperated—“well”. I clearly remember Rochester, the valet and chauffeur was African American. Rochester was a member of the family and portrayed as an equal. Benny wrote the character as transcending racial stereotypes of the era, it worked, Rochester’s popularity rivaled Benny’s. My dad worked on the railroad in Pocatello with the few African American people who lived in that city, I grew up with the kids, attended school, played sports, and never gave the many differences a second thought, neither did my father who set that excellent example. Happy birthday Megan, enjoy 39 as many times as you like!
Hank designed the birthday party decorations. Captain Underpants is a current superhero created by one of the heroes homemade comic books. Karen created a Captain piñata and the tablecloth was hand decorated by Hank. The front porch was adorned with a bouquet of flowers cleverly displayed in the kid’s potty with a new pair of Fruit of the Loom whitey tighties prominently displayed. Some things don’t change and potty jokes and men’s white underwear apparently are back in vogue. Sager and Allen wrote a memorable song for a musical called “Everything old is New Again.” “Don’t throw the past away—you might need it some rainy day-dreams can come true again.” It is a memorable song and offers clever lyrics and good advice.
Enjoy each day and remain young at heart. Mike