Heaven must have become a little brighter early Thursday.

You see, a new visitor arrived -- and, I am certain, he promptly put on his sneakers and cardigan sweater just as soon as the pearly gates clanked shut.

After touching millions of young lives through his television show, Fred Rogers died early Thursday after a bout with stomach cancer.

The soft-spoken man, who reached out to the youngest and most vulnerable with his TV show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," helped to raise generations from behind that magic television screen.

Given the glitz, glamour and excitement of today's modern television antics, it is difficult to believe that such a quiet, simple man could stand out and make a difference. But that is exactly what Mr. Rogers did.

Millions of young and old alike can sing along to his introductory song …

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? …"

Through song, stories and a little make believe, he transformed the lives of America's children from one in which many

felt left out and maybe a little awkward to one of all-inclusiveness.

Whether it was through puppets or with song, Mr. Rogers taught many of the same lessons found in the Bible, and for good reason. Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister. But he chose to teach the principles and lessons of Christ through example, rather than by quoting Scripture.

He taught children how to share, how to see our differences as strengths and how to treat one another as humans.

Mr. Rogers helped children cope with everything from feelings of loneliness to divorce and even death. He spoke gently, but he never shied away from tough issues facing children.

Letters of sympathy and adoration flood the Internet -- each a testament to a life touched by Fred Rogers.

One such letter follows:

To Mr. Rogers. Thank you for being a special and shining example of a human being. Thank you for letting us know that we are special, too. We love you, will miss you and never forget you. Thank You Fred.

-- Thom,

Aurora, Il

I couldn't have written it any better, Thom.

Godspeed, Mr. Rogers. And, thank you for making a difference in so many lives, including mine.

Kevin Cooper is publisher of The Ironton Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1445 ext. 12 or by e-mail to kevin.cooper@irontontribune.com