A Sad Day in the
Neighborhood
A man once said, "Grief is the feeling of reaching out for someone who
has always been there, only to discover when we need them one more time, they
are no longer there."
Today there are many people feeling just that way as they hear and read of
the death of Fred Rogers. All across America, people are mourning the death of
someone who came into their homes and their hearts for many years.
Fred Rogers began his childrens' shows in 1954, so men and women and boys
and girls of all ages may have tears in their eyes today as they stroll
reflexively down a personal and private memory lane in which Mr. Rogers may have
played a prominent part.
Here at the Grief Recovery Institute we have a very special place in our
hearts for Fred Rogers. A glorious endorsement quote of our book, When
Children Grieve, graces the back cover of that book. Although we
thanked him many times, we thank him again for encouraging moms and dads
everywhere to use our book to help their children deal with their grief -
something that may be very relevant today.
Many famous people have both a public and private persona. Often the two
are quite far apart. Not Fred Rogers. From what we understand, he was one of
those exemplary people whose walk and talk were a matched set. What you saw is
who he was.
Thank you Fred. We love you and we will miss you.
Goodbye Fred.
Russell Friedman, John W. James, Leslie Landon Matthews
Russell Friedman and John W. James,
co-founders of The Grief Recovery Institute Educational Foundation, and
co-authors of The Grief Recovery Handbook and When Children Grieve, both from
HarperCollins. The Institute and thousands of affiliates throughout the United
States and Canada offer a variety of programs for grievers.
Additional information is available by
calling 888-773-2683 or on the web at www.grief.net