Dear Mrs. Parkinson,

It meant a great deal to me that you wanted to send us a copy of your book. In many ways you are an inspiration to us all.

It was very touching to know that the book grew out of your own situation and that you wanted to produce it because there was nothing like that available for you and your family. How caring of you to give your energies to help other families deal with feelings when a parent has cancer.

The book is very sensitively done. And, we certainly would applaud your efforts to write it with the goal of fostering communication in families, especially at that difficult times. That's the basis of our work, too. We have long believed that whatever is mentionable can be more manageable. We wish you well for your future work on more books and newsletters.

One of our staff members, Hedda Sharapan, makes presentations on behalf of the Neighborhood and is often called on to talk about helping children deal with difficult situations. Now and then she speaks to medical staff and Hospice volunteers. When I shared your book with her, she said she'd like to add it and the other information you sent to the resources that she takes along with her at times like that.

Thank you very much for being in touch with us. It meant a great deal to me that you felt we would appreciate your materials because of what you've heard in our programs over the years. I'm grateful to know that our Neighborhood has been a part of your children's growing up.

Please give our warm regards to your family. They must benefit in such important ways from your caring ways and from your creative energies.

Our hearts and our prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,

Fred Rogers

Visit Mr. Rogers Neighborhood On-Line!