I GOT EMOTIONAL TOO

Time marches on and so do people, on television and in real life. Friday I was thinking about two separate events, and both made me sad in different ways. Memories of a lost family member are emotional, and the 'end of an era' of special television entertainment can be personal. These events are not connected, but when they happen at the same time, it can overwhelm one's sensitive emotions.

James Douglas "Jay" Leno, who admits he's dyslexic, has a Bachelor's degree in speech therapy from Emerson College, was born in New Rochelle, New York, and has hosted The Tonight Show for the last 22 years, bid farewell to millions of friends, audience members, and viewers Thursday night. He gave an emotional speech about the fact that he would miss his NBC family and the past 22 years had been the best years of his life.

NBC decided to usher in a 'younger generation' demographic and made the executive decision to again oust Leno and replace him with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon appeared on Leno's show the night before to 'pass the torch' and Fallon said he would try to make him (Leno) proud after taking the reins (and moving the show to New York, instead of Burbank, California where Leno took over from Johnny Carson 22 years ago).

Leno, like Carson, is exiting the show "going out on top" as they say, remaining number one in the Neilson ratings for the last 17 years.

For those who watched his show, and loved him, Leno's farewell speech was heartfelt and touchingly emotional. I know it was for me. I will miss him. He can now be found at Jay Leno's Garage, where he owns 100 cars and 90 motorcycles in his prize collection. He will still do some stand-up comedy shows around the country, and I just hope he comes to Ohio so I can go see him. I wish him well. I also hope Fallon carries on the tradition of The Tonight Show and it remains top in the ratings.

If you missed his farewell speech on Thursday night, watch it by CLICKING HERE. Time marches on. Farewell.