Sharing The Rifleman
Written by Matthew
As I was gathering my Rifleman memorabilia to take to the retirement home. I couldn’t help but to feel nervous. I knew in the bottom of my heart everything would go well, but the bottom of my stomach was trying to tell me something different.
Me and my Mom were finally on our way to the retirement home, with thousands of butterflies leading the way! I had all my Rifleman items packed all nice and neat in the seat of the car. I was holding them in place afraid something might fall. The ride there gave me plenty of time to think. I was wondering what might Chuck think of me doing this?
We finally arrived the retirement home. As I was walking and approaching the building to go inside a little old man waved to me and said ‘hello’ with a warm welcoming smile. I knew for sure then things were going to be alright.
The receptionist greeted me and my mom and told us that the newspaper reporter had just arrived shortly before us and is waiting in the activity room for us. After the receptionist had filled me in on the reporter arriving, them butterflies came back!
I entered the room and was introduced to the newspaper reporter. Me and my mom then moved some tables around and arranged my memorabilia so I could present it nicely. When I was done I then noticed my audience had gathered and was waiting to hear what I had to say.
I started my presentation by introducing myself. After I explained who I was and where I’m from I went on to explain "The Rifleman". I had asked if anyone remembered the show or Chuck Connors? One man named George said he remembered the show and Chuck. He also said how good Chuck was in sports. For the ones that didn’t remember the show I went on to explain that The Rifleman was a love story between father and son and how Lucas McCain teaches his son to appreciate and accept what life brings him. I also explained Mark taught his father a few lessons along the way. I gave facts about the show and told everyone that September was the 50th Anniversary.
 |
Everyone was also interested in knowing about Chuck and Johnny. I explained to everyone what I knew about their lives and what they both had accomplished and what Johnny is still accomplishing. They all agreed with me about how much talent they both have.
I passed pictures around and showed them my comics and other memorabilia. This sweet elderly women said “ I remember this, I remember watching this with my husband and children”. I explained to everyone that most of my Rifleman memorabilia is from great fans of the Rifleman giving them to me. They were so pleased and said how nice and wonderful of The Rifleman fans to do that. I agree!
I gave everyone a chance to ask questions, and they did. I was hoping I would know the answers and luckily I did. I ended my presentation thanking everyone for letting me share ‘The Rifleman” with them. I also passed around a autograph book for all of them to sign. I wanted to remember this day forever and to carry away a little something to remember it by.
I left behind a Rifleman DVD with 3 episodes on it for them to watch. As I was gathering my belongings they began to watch it. I was leaving the room with the sound of the Rifleman in the background. In my heart I knew that I didn’t need to wonder anymore what Chuck might think, I knew he would be proud of me. And you know, I never noticed the reporter taking pictures. I enjoyed myself so much that I didn’t notice anything but what I was doing. I looked at my mom and said to her as I was getting into the car, “You know mom, I am going to do this again.” She looked at me with a smile and said “ I know you will.”
Here is the newspaper article from Matthew's day
Everyone here at the ranch has adopted Matthew as out sidekick.
We are all so proud of him.
