It's a sad day in the neighborhood. Fred Rogers, creator and host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, has died from stomach cancer. He was 75 years old. My daughter and I were just watching an episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood together the other day, and I was proudly explaining to her that I grew up with Mister Rogers, and now she was growing up with him. As a kid in the 70's, it was impossible to not be drawn into his world. I hope PBS keeps reruns of his wonderful show going for years to come - I want to pass on the teachings of Mister Rogers to my kids. He was always there, like a familiar blanket, a consistent friend. Even the parodies (like Eddie Murphy's"Mr. Robinson") were classics. It's like he was seeped into the dye of the fabric of my life - faded now, but just reappearing with new strands, as I'm sharing the joys of fatherhood with my daughter. Good-bye, Mister Rogers. You touched more lives so directly through the power of the tube than you know. Here's another tribute.

BTW, PBS Kids has some great information on how to explain this to your kids.

"I'm taking care of you
Taking good care of you
For once I was very little too
Now I take care of you."
-- Fred Rogers