“Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot. Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go, where everybody knows your name, and they are always glad you came. You want to be where you can see our troubles are all the same. You want to be where everybody knows your name.” (Words and music by Garry Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo.)
Today I began remembering a little ditty written back in the ’80s. It was the theme song to a TV show based out of Boston called, “Cheers.” I can remember the day like it was yesterday. My beautiful bride and I were back in Boston for a trade show sponsored by The Produce Marketing Association, and since the hotel we stayed in was right across the street from the “Cheers” bar, we had to go in.
Of course, it looked nothing like the show. None of the regulars were there, but we managed to share a liquid libation and let our imagination run wild. The drinks were pretty good, your usual standard fare. We didn’t waste much time there as we knew no one, and the produce show was to start in another 30 minutes. Boston was a cool place to be in October, with the changing of the leaves and the brisk air that fall brings.
You may be reading this and wondering why I’m writing about a show that was on TV over 40 years ago. It is because today I had a little déjà vu about a trip I took all those many years ago, and yet the memories came back in living color. Sometimes I like to look back at a memory that makes me smile and reminisce, which is why today was such a great time.
My wonderful bride and I got up this morning and decided to pay a visit to my favorite daughter. She has completed a series of schools and lessons that has allowed her to be a full-fledged esthetician. So naturally I queried her about showing me what she does to make folks beautiful. It’s not that I need to have any help on my beauty routine, which consists of washing my face with soap whenever I think about it. But I will never refuse an invitation to have all blemishes removed.
When my bride and I arrived at my daughter’s home, we walked into what could have been a first-class salon. It was only my arrival that spread a little shadow on what was a wonderful place to be. She had me lie back upon a well lit recliner and she began to perform her expertise on my grizzled skin. I’m very happy to tell you that whatever she did it felt magical.
Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep and my face felt renewed. Well, not that I got any better looking or learned to write the kind of prose that I could charge for. But my wonderful wife, who never tells lies, said I looked better than I had in… weeks. It is truly a miracle what liniments and unguents can do to a long-lost soldier who had looked at the sun too many times.
With the compliments I received today, you can believe that I will be making a return trip to my Dotta’s house. She said I could come by anytime and she would never charge me. Isn’t it great when your children show you that they may have picked up a few insights for all the time you spent teaching them the love that she showed me today?
I know I like to talk about my kids, but lately I feel so connected with them. Lorraine and I spoke about when they were in school and how the kids today have so many challenges. I know everyone always has their best interest at heart, especially those who live and work in Gonzales. Keep in mind that kids are back in school, look both ways while they are crossing, pay attention and be careful.
I know that there are many reasons to be proud of our little town. Like anywhere else we have our challenges, but the people are the best part. I feel the love of this town when I go to the Post Office and am always greeted with a smile. I met Maria when I first moved to Gonzales, and she has been an important part of what makes our little town tick.
There is the pharmacy, where there is always hustle and bustle. Jimmy and his staff are always there to lend a helping hand. Fourth Street Tavern led by Bernadette keeps us up to date with new libations and events. Lastly we have Ben from Luigi’s, who also took an old bank building and turned it into our very own “Cheers.”
It would take more than a thousand words to list all the people who make Gonzales home. But if I can take this time to give you some sage advice: wave to your neighbors, smile at a stranger, give a kind word. You never know if that one act of kindness will make their day just a little bit brighter.
God Bless.
