All That I Had

I was born on December 1, 1949, so I was five or six years old when the “Classic 39” episodes of The Honeymooners aired from October, 1955 until September, 1956. The opening images of fireworks followed by the moon, with Jackie Gleason’s face, rising over New York City are among my earliest memories. Those images, and the accompanying theme music “You’re My Greatest Love,” played by Sammy Spears Orchestra, bring me back to when I would sit in front of our General Electric black and white television set after my bath to watch an episode on Saturday nights at 8:30. On those cold winter nights, I’d already be in my snug pajamas because it would be my bedtime as soon as the show was over. I remember those nights so vividly that I can recall the smell of Ivory soap and Prell shampoo, the feel of fleecy pajamas and the vibrant sound of Jack Lescoulie’s voice announcing the names of the stars: Jackie Gleason, Art Carney, Audrey Meadows and Joyce Randolph. Above all, I remember the comfort and warmth of being in my childhood home with Mom, Dad and my little sister, Jane. Since I didn’t know any other way of life was possible for little boys and girls, I didn’t feel a sense of gratitude at the time for all that I had, but I do now.