The hotel was one of the terrific art deco style ones with marble floors, tall vaulted ceilings and decorated columns, which provided a dinner and dance show. Johnny and his band were playing during dinner and as we listened to the old lively tunes of long ago and sometimes forgotten in the techno world we seem to live in now. We watched couples dancing, dressed in their finest and most retro 30's and 40's period attire, moving around like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire.
I remember one older
gentleman in particular, who must have
been at least seventy, dressed in long
tails and top hat. His partner, one
among several that night I might add,
was at least 30 years his junior.
Together they made those fancy steps
look as smooth as butter and I wondered
how he could have such energy, such
vitality when I at only forty, felt at
times like a worn shoe having walked too
many miles already.
Anyway, after dinner, during the
intermission, I had a Rifleman comic
book I wanted to ask Mr. Crawford to
sign along with getting a picture of
him. I was very nervous and almost
backed down, but my mother proded me
forward, knowing how important this
small little moment was for me. When Mr.
Crawford stopped before me, he gave me
the MOST charming and the warmest smile
I had ever seen. Then to my utter
surprise and nervous delight, took my
hand gently in his. I still remember how
warm and soft it felt. As he spoke, his
eyes looked directly into mine. They
were bright and friendly and not the
least bit annoyed by my childhood
request. He complemented me on my outfit
and thanked us for coming to see him.
His voice was warm, sincere, and his
eyes sparkled almost boyishly, so like
they did when he played Mark McCain and
stole all our hearts!
I asked him if I could take a picture, then rather shyly if he wouldn't mind signing the comic book I'd brought. He was delighted to do both, saying he had enjoyed doing the show and had so many fond memories connected with it. I was ecstatic and as giddy as a young schoolgirl as he autographed my little precious momento commemorating a young girl's crush from long ago.
We talked for perhaps five minutes total, but it seemed as if time had stopped though to my annoyance my cheecks seem to grow redder. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my mother's little smile of amusement. As he spoke and later when I watched him play some more, I really got the feeling Johnny Crawford was a man who truly enjoyed life, and treasured each stage as it came.
At the end of the evening and later that night as I lay in bed savoring the events of that magical night, I came to the conclusion that Mr. Crawford is one of those rare men indeed. One of the almost extinct breed of men who define the ideal of what is to be a Charming Man! Though I'm sure Mr. Crawford will never remember me, being in the public eye, he sees so many people, I have never forgotten that special moment when a little girl's childhood dream finally came true. It had been as magical as my imagination had envisioned.
That evening was made even more special to me because I'd been able to share it with the one person who'd always understood me, my best friend... my mother. Though she's passed away almost three years now, her memory and that night we shared are tucked away in that little vault of loving memories I keep in my heart. So thank you Johnny for bringing such joy to me and to so many people in such small ways that you may never be aware of. I hope your life continues to be fruitful and full-filling and very blessed!
A devoted fan,
Bluespiritgal