let the magic trolley ring. mister rogers passed on earlier today into a place of his own making: heaven, where everyone is equally important and respectful of each other. he left many memories and helped many souls understand our world, helping out during many a dark time. he approached the world with innocence and always shared his world, including covering difficulties such as war and death.

as thoughtful as we was in person, his web site includes ways of explaining his death to children. i have to admit that i'm teary-eyed over his passing, much like i was when mr. dressup and the friendly giant. i wasn't much of a latchkey child, but those three shows were always respectful to kids, never treating them as consumers but people who have questions and deserve much love and respect. i think they helped me learn english and then pass along that knowledge to my parents, who were teaching me finnish at the time.

if there were only more uncyncial and gentle people left. if i could, i would return into the blind trust of childhood, but i remember how scary the world was at the time. i thank fred for his time here on earth and hope we carry on his ideals for whoever follows.

rest in peace, friendly neighbour...