20 Years Today

[terminotaur]

I was in a crappy common area at the University of Windsor at the national science fair. It was a boring night, that quickly got much worse.

Its been 20 years today that Jim Henson passed away. 20 years ago that the person that created vast swaths of happy memories departed.
Share some of your favorites, or look a few up today.

Comments

[moth_wingthane]

Wow, I'd never have said it has been as long as 20 years.

[drhoz]

A Boy And His Frog never fails to make me bawl - Tom Smith is a very talented Filker

[terminotaur]

*nods* Absolutely no disputing that. He does the voice very well, but much more important are the words he came up with. If you look at a lot of the comments nobody makes it through that song dry eyed.

[expandranon]

My favorites were the Swedish Chef, those cranky old guys, and the eagle, just 'cause he's a bird. :D

[hinoki]

Jim would very definitely have a problem with that last video... you know he would.
While he'd never begrudge us the chance to say goodbye to him, he would most definitely begrudge us our tears.

That's not how he wants to be remembered.. he wants us to continue laughing at the classics he made, and continuing to make more, like Beeker's Ode to Joy. He wants us to remember him by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.. by Jen and Kira of the Dark Crystal.. by the stories he's told, and the stories yet to come.

But in private, I don't think he'd mind a tear or two. But always, always remember him with a smile.

[hinoki]

For after all, wasn't it Jim Henson by way of Dr. Teeth saying..
"I don't care if it ends well.. I just want it to end!"

[terminotaur]

You know, I'm not sure about that. He did some work with some stories that at times were dark, and its some of those inevitable losses that provide contrast to the good times. Yes, he'd probably want to remember the good times, most would. That's the way it works when someone provides so many good memories though. There will be mourning for when they leave, but its a minuscule point in a sea of joyous memories they gave, and are managing to still give after they are gone. That's why I suggested people share their favorite clips. Those are still the best way to remember him.

Its actually the last part of the song that is the important part to me, and why I include it. The part that says it best (IMO)...
"I just can't let it be over. You wouldn't want it that way.... I will go on without you there to guide me. There's so much more I can give...."

[archteryx]

A Boy and His Frog was a worthy tribute to one of the most tragic celebrity deaths of recent history, IMHO. The world is a poorer, sadder place without him.

But the Muppets do live on, at least. The recent Muppets clips show that the uniquely snarky humor of the original show is one of his many lasting legacies.