I've had that same concern lingering in the back of my mind for a long time now, which is why I knew if I didn't take the opportunity to meet him at the Knoxville Fanboy Expo when I did, I'd probably never have that opportunity ever again. Yes, he seemed to be in poor shape; yes, his voice was soft; yes, he struggled to sign my 40 years book; yes, Debbie finished a lot of his sentences for him; yes, Debbie pushed him around in a wheelchair; yes, his handshake was weak . . . but at least I got to meet him in person, face-to-face, and tell him what an inspiration he's been to me as a puppeteer, and how much I thank him for that (which he also thanked me in return), and even give him some artwork as a gift. It's been two months since that day, but I'm still geeking out about it, because it was the biggest highlight of my sad Muppety existence.
Like everyone else, I don't want anything to happen to him, and I hate to think about the possibility of losing him, but it's a reality we all have to face - just as we did with Jerry Nelson: we knew he was living on borrowed time, so while it was still sad that he passed on, it wasn't surprising. I know Caroll said he wanted to at least hold on until Season 50 - let's all hope that he can; that'd make Season 50 all the more special.
Like everyone else, I don't want anything to happen to him, and I hate to think about the possibility of losing him, but it's a reality we all have to face - just as we did with Jerry Nelson: we knew he was living on borrowed time, so while it was still sad that he passed on, it wasn't surprising. I know Caroll said he wanted to at least hold on until Season 50 - let's all hope that he can; that'd make Season 50 all the more special.