I recently read an interview with Carroll Spinney, the man who has brought Big Bird to life on Sesame Street since 1969. He told a story about speaking on the phone in his Big Bird voice with a 5-year-old who was in the hospital with cancer.

Carroll said:
"His father wrote to me right away, and said 'Thank you, thank you'... When the phone was hung up, my son said 'Big Bird called me! He's my friend.'
And he closed his eyes. And he passed away.
His father said 'We haven't seen our little boy smile in MONTHS. He smiled, as he passed away. It was a gift to us. Thank you.'
And I could see that what I say to children can be very important."

With our words, we have the power to spread love, grace, & hope. What we say to each other is very important.