This may not mean so much to anyone outside of Canada, but Mr. Dressup, Ernie Coombs died yesterday. And it breaks my heart to know that if I have kids, they won't know him. .
While you might only have that kindly American Mr. Rogers as a reference point, Mr. Dressup transcended the patronizing, manic kids show. As preschoolers sitting cross-legged in front ot the T.V. in our Osh-Kosh overalls, Mr. Dressup spoke directly to us.
So if you are going out any time soon, lift a glass to Casey, Finnegan, and that gentle man with the tickle trunk of costumes. Any Canadians in your midst may get misty.
