But a part of me is now gone -- that part that learned how to laugh, and sing, and imagine. Because Hunt was a puppeteer for the Jim Henson gang, and created characters that continue to thrill and amaze me despite the fact that I am almost 23 years old and should have given up Sesame Street and The Muppets a long time ago.

So I want to say goodbye to my friends Sully the Construction Worker, Don Music, Gladys the Cow, Forgetful Jones and Placido Flamingo. To Statler, Beaker, Janice and Scooter. And to Richard Hunt -- thank you for brightening my life. --Katherine M. Ross