"I have really never considered myself a TV star," Rogers said in a 1995 interview. "I always thought I was a neighbor who just came in for a visit."
You were, my friend. As many times as you asked, I was always glad to be your neighbor.
"The greatest gift you can give someone is to be your honest self. Human beings are very deep, and very simple...The greatest hope in the world lies in the heart of those who are able to care for others." - Fred Rogers
I mourn, not for Fred Rogers, who I am sure is happy, wherever he may be. I am sad for a whole generation of children who will never have him as their neighbor.
We'll miss you, neighbor.
Sources:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=496&e=5&u=/ap/20030227/ap_on_en_tv/obit_rogers
http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/05.06.99/slices-9918.html