For almost 30 years, you could turn on KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City and catch a very special daily show with a clown named Ho-Ho and his sock puppet partner, Pokey. It was the usual afternoon kiddies show with cartoons, animals, and guests…but the host was why this show was extra special  

   
      Ho-Ho in reality was Ed Birchall. According to his bio, he was born in 1923, a veteran of World War 2, and a lover of the circus. Anyone growing up in Oklahoma back then and with only 3 channels to choose from, recognized him instantly as the top clown and one of the top personalities of local television.

    
     He was a staple every year at the state fair, a frequent visitor to sick and hospitalized children, and pretty much a good will ambassador for everyone. And he was among the list of people I count as my heroes, including the great Red Skelton. Must be something about clowns.

    
     I’ve been a reporter and news anchor most of my adult life…working in Ada, Lawton and Tulsa, Oklahoma and for years doing the news here in Amarillo, Texas. I still do that, along with the title Multimedia Projects Coordinator for the American Quarter Horse Association.

    
    Just before moving here, I was assigned to cover a story in Lawton promoting Oklahoma Tourism. I figured it was another cheerleading event with a few state bigwigs posing for the camera at a big luncheon.

    
      Imagine my surprise when I walked in, and in full costume and makeup, was none other than Ho-Ho the Clown in the grease painted flesh. Immediately, I was propelled back to the age of about 6 or 7 and couldn’t wipe the dopey grin on my face off, even if I had wanted to.

    
    After a few people spoke, it was finally Ho-Ho’s turn. He talked about the Sooner State, his life in OKC, and then started telling a story I have re-told countless times to everyone that will listen, and believe it should become a part of everyone’s daily living plan.

    
     Ho-Ho began by saying he received a letter from a viewer who saw him leaving the state fair after a particularly long day. He was still being watched by this fan when the letter-writer saw Ho-Ho notice a lady who having no luck trying to merge on to a busy street. Ho-Ho stopped his car and signaled for the other driver to go ahead and come into his lane in front of him. The fan included in her letter that she tries to live every day performing a “Ho-Ho” in honor of his simple, but selfless act.  There was barely a dry eye in the house…and upon finishing, he received a tremendous ovation.

      When it was over, and my photographer let me know he’d shot enough tape, I decided to go up to the stage and meet one of my heroes in person. 

     As I approached him, he looked at me cocked his head and said, “We’ve never met, but we know each other don’t we?” My smile confirmed that for him and he held out his arms waiting for the hug I had wanted to give him for more than 20 years.  We only had to time to chat for a moment because I had to get back and get my story on air…and that was my one and only meeting with Ho-Ho the Clown.

     Just a couple months later, I moved to Amarillo and read on the AP wires that Ed Birchall, everyone’s beloved Ho-Ho the Clown, had passed away at the age of 64. My heart sank and I was taken back to that day I met him. I decided I could do a daily Ho-Ho in his honor and have re-counted the story time and time again and how people can make others and themselves feel a whole lot better, just by doing a little Ho-Ho. Whether it’s allowing someone into traffic, opening a door, or just any selfless act. Not only will someone else appreciate it, but you’ll feel better for it too.

    
     Not too long after that, I lost my number one hero, my father, Leon. It really got me thinking more and more about the heroes in my life and how I can pay tribute to them. A few years went by and I decided to do an internet search trying to get a little more insight about Ho-Ho. I found an email address for his son. Michael, and sent him a message about how much I respected his dad, how hard it is to lose your father, and how important my Ho-ho’s had become to me. How I was doing it in honor of his dad and I was trying to get the word out.

    
    He promptly wrote back saying he’s constantly amazed with the lives that his father touched, sometimes from half a world away and hoped I’d keep up the Ho-Ho’s as the world desperately needs them. I agree.

(Added in 2008)
   For my dad, who loved to work on cars, I decided to honor him by getting a 1976 MGB, almost exactly like one he worked on and let me have for one great summer. I am no mechanic, but am trying to fix her up as a way of paying tribute to my dad.
So far, the restoration is going okay---and I really hope the finished product is worthy of my father's memory.


    
    We all have days of road rage and people being anything but polite or nice to us, but all it takes is a simple little gesture on your part to make someone’s day better along with your own. And in case you’re wondering, I also got to meet and interview Red Skelton…just something about clowns.