>>39982163It's funny to think back on, all the things Pokemon has etched into memory. I remember the first episode of the anime I saw, with Ash meeting Richie. I recall the Pokemon Pop-Tarts coming out, and despite not enjoying the flavor at the time, I remember eating them anyway simply because they were Pokemon. I enjoyed the Chocolate-Chip Eggos covered with Pokemon Pictures much more.
I remember coming home from school one day, and my Mom surprising me with a box containing a set of Pokemon Figures. I barely remember the only Christmas I spent at my Dad's, but I remember the Gengar Key-chain in my stocking and the Pikachu lamp I received. I remember getting yelled at for nearly missing the bus, battling my way through Sabrina's gym. I remember being gifted a collection of cards from an older kid who was 'outgrowing' them. There was a birthday I one year, where we had where made it home in time to catch an evening episode of the anime after shopping and picking up McDonalds.
I remember getting the Pokedex book, and reading through it again and again to learn everything about each Pokemon; then using the book to draw from. I remember all the Tracy West books that came out, for that matter. I remember getting a handful of VHS tapes, and always getting a little unnerved when the trailers after the show played, and the tape had to rewind. I remember playing pretend Pokemon battles during recess at school. I remember when the fad began to fade, but Pokemon still chugged along. When Misty and Brock left Ash. When me and my brother were gifted Sapphire and Ruby respectively. Me and my friends continued to play the games after school together, becoming better trainers. I recall long-car trips, falling asleep while watching Jirachi Wish-Maker and playing the games.
I have a lot more memories, around that time all the way up until now, that Pokemon are still helping to form. And I'm thankful that something like Pokemon could have such a positive influence on my life.
