Johnny....
If you take a moment to read my brother's blog, you'll find that my comments will be much the same regarding our grandparents and Johnny Carson. It's how I came to love to watch The Tonight Show.
Grandma Webb always said she liked Johnny because he didn't have to swear or be dirty to be funny. He might get a little naughty and his jokes might have 'other' meanings, but that's what made him fun and why Grandma thought he was hilarious.
I don't remember watching The Tonight Show with Grandpa. He always had very full days and wanted to get his sleep. Grandma, on the other hand, was some what of a night owl. It was a treat to get to stay up and watch the show with her.
The Tonight Show also signified that the hour was late. As a kid, if I heard the first strains of the show's theme song, I would always think, "WOW! It's REALLY late and I'm still awake!" Or, if I was sick with the flu and heard the song I would think, "Maybe they will let me watch the show cuz I'm sick." Whatever the reason, I think kids associated with Johnny that late night grown-up thing, where they could stay up late because they were adults.
I watched his final show with my other Grandma in May of 1992. She happened to be visiting us and we sat down to watch it together. This grandma was also a night owl, and she liked Johnny too. I remember thinking that this was a historic moment-so I made sure to videotape the episode. I remember my grandma and I both were brushing away a tear or two. I watched that very show not too long ago and it still brought tears to my eyes. I honestly thought Johnny would be around forever.
And so, Johnny, we bid you a very fond farewell.
