Commentary: Dealing With Loss on Sesame Street

By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2009 – To the envy of all the neighborhood kids, I was invited to New York yesterday to attend the taping of a special Sesame Workshop production aimed at helping military children.

Elmo\’s dad, Louie, helps Elmo cope with the loss of his Uncle Jack during the filming of a Sesame Workshop video aimed at helping military children deal with the loss of a loved one. Elmo wears his uncle\’s hat in memory and celebration of his uncle\’s life. The video was filmed in Queens, New York, Oct. 14, 2009. Courtesy photo by Gil Vaknin

I was in awe when I walked down the real-world Sesame Street. As I passed the laundromat and Mr. Hooper’s famous storefront, the years slid away with each step until, once again, I was a 5-year-old glued to an episode of \”Sesame Street\” on my early 1970s TV set.
I was transported back to the present when down the hall I heard the familiar, high-pitched tones of that furry red Muppet who has gained superstar-like status in recent years. Elmo and his good friend, Rosita, were rehearsing a scene on a brightly lit park set.  click link below to continue ……