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 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 children’s 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. 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 was who he was. Thank you Fred. We love you and we will miss you.

Goodbye Fred.

Russell Friedman, John W. James, Leslie Landon Matthews