My first autograph

The first time, I was asked to autograph my book, I felt embarrassed and surprised. Honestly, for me, it felt like, getting a surprise birthday party.

At the time, I was still working a public job and the owner of the business called me to his office, where he and his wife stood waiting eagerly. As he stood there talking to me across the counter, he whipped out the book and said, "Give me your autograph,” while handing me a pen...a very special pen to him.

Carefully, I opened the book on the counter, while trying not bend, the cover, too much. Then I wrote a little note to him and his wife and returned the book and pen to them.

During that very special moment, I know my face was red and glowing. I recall his wife remarking about how red my ears had gotten which, only made the occasion worse but in a good way.

Truthfully, had it been just we three, I think I would have fared better in the situation but that was, not the case. Several of their friends had stopped by to see them and there were, also customers present at the time.

Normally, I referred to him as, 'Boss', as my name for him. After all, we were best friends and in many ways we really were, Jack Benny and Rochester.

"I swear Mister Benny, I done backed the car over the toothpaste and there ain't no more coming out" -Rochester

To this day, I swear he waited until he had a room full of people before hitting me with the spotlight just to get a reaction out of me. Still, he made it very memorable for, me and of that, I am grateful to my old friend.