Thel, you're the cats

Some thoughts from a trip to Mayberry (AKA Mt. Airy, NC) last week:

Jack stands in for 'ol Barn
with the Thelma Lou of our memories

Jack loves The Andy Griffith Show, as does his dad. He especially loves Barney and Gomer, names still woven into American television pop culture.

The living cast members have grown scarce, and Thelma Lou is one. Of course, her real name is Betty Lynn, but who would call her that.

She is forever Thelma Lou, Barney’s girl.

The very sweet Thelma Lou of today

As we were entering The Andy Griffith Museum, Thelma Lou had just arrived for her autographing session in a wheelchair. Her handler turned her around and we were the first people she saw. After a few small pleasantries, she said to Jack, “I’m Barney’s girlfriend.”

It was a great moment, which felt almost private.

Thelma Lou, Barney’s girl.

Time moves on, and Thelma Lou doesn't really physically resemble the Thelma Lou of those 26 priceless episodes in which she appeared. Or at least all that much. But she could not have been nicer, and she spent as much time with each person as they wanted. To sign, to pose, to laugh, to reminisce.

I told her how grateful I am for the show, saying that it’s nice to know there is something the whole family can watch.

I will always remember her physically as Barney’s girl.

But I also won’t forget how she, at 87 years old, thrilled Jack with kind words, several autographs and a hug.

Which I think will also stay with him for a long, long time.