I heard the news just before I started work...it was an email from Muppet Central. "Jerry Lee Nelson...1934-2012"
No...
Like many of you, I felt like a sledgehammer hit me in the chest. It was like May 16, 1990 all over again. "Dear God, no..." I whispered at the monitor. With every post I read on MC, Tough Pigs and on Facebook, the hammer blows only increased. Jerry Nelson was
gone. I read the posts until I couldn't take it anymore...or until a fresh set of tears turned the computer screen into a shapeless, glowing blob.
It was extremely tough to work that day. Like everyone else here, I loved Jerry too. I only met him through Facebook, but at least I was able to tell him how much Fraggle Rock meant to me and to thank him for all the wonderful songs, characters and all around positive influence he had on my life.
I too wondered, upon Jerry's ascent into Heaven, I would expect him to yell "PIIIIGS IIIIN SPAAAAAACE". No Mr. Roe, it isn't corny at all to want Jerry to announce your arrival into Heaven. I'd want that, too. What Muppet fan wouldn't?
I was lucky enough to receive his autograph in the mail once back in January 2000. What a great way to start the millennium!
My only regret is that I didn't tell him about my wedding cake. See, my wife and I just got married on August 4th. The photographer hasn't gotten our photos done yet, otherwise I would've shown Jerry the picture of the cake. It was an
exact replica of Ma and Pa Gorg's 513th
anniversary cake from "Ring Around the Rock". It even had the PVC figures of Ma and Pa on the top. We chose it because of our love for Fraggle Rock...a masterpiece and one of the most positive influences of our lives. (Look closely at the base of the case and you will see a photo of Junior holding the real deal).
Also displayed at the wedding were photographs of those we loved and admired: those who were not present physically, but still beloved by myself and my bride. Among the photos of family members and loved ones who had passed away was a group shot of some of the main Muppeteers: Jim, Frank, Richard, Dave, Steve...and Jerry. Just minutes before I was wed, I glanced at their picture and silently thanked them all. Along with my family, the Muppets were a huge source of silly joy. Jerry was an important part of that.
Behind the photos was a sculpture I had created for my aunt and uncle one Christmas: a miniature scale model of the Gorg's Castle, complete with the well, the garden, the Gorgs, Fraggle Rock, the Trash Heap, Philo, Gunge and even those salt and pepper shakers Junior made (see Blanket of Snow, Blanket of Woe).
I have been to the set of Sesame Street once. Whenever I go again, I will proudly wear my Count Von Count shirt in honor of Jerry.
Often things in the real world remind me of things in the Muppet universe. When I see construction workers, I always think of Biff and Sully. Any restaurant I am in, I smile if I see swinging kitchen doors with circular windows. I hear Fat Blue's frustrated cry of "WAITER!" in my head every time. The fourth stair outside my apartment complex isn't in the nursery. It isn't in the town. Finally, let's face it. Every single one of us on this message board who has heard thunder and lightning immediately thinks of the Count. I did just last night. A storm went through here and as the thunder rumbled outside, I said "Ah ah ah!" in my best Count voice. It was a reflex. I looked up at the churning sky and thought with a sad smile "Jerry's still counting."
There's more I could tell, but as the song says..."So much to say, foolish to try."
Keep on countin' up there, Jerry.
We miss you, we thank you and we love you.
Josh Hankemeier
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