I remember when I first saw the anime back in 1996 and literally play Pokémon in kindergarten (me and my friends would pretend to be Pokémon). I remember winning a copy of Red and a gameboy in a contest back when Kids WB was still a thing.
I would watch every episode of Pokémon before going to school and I would collect the cards and toys and clothes. I remember taking my Raichu plush every where.
Time jump to present day
I still watch the anime and collect anything Pokémon, it's gotten to the point where my mom says I should let Pokémon go because I'm to old for it. But I can't.
I just love the series so much!