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OK–my friends over at Sesame Street (I really only have one friend over at Sesame Street, but the rest seem like family after decades in my living room–and the one friend is a really good friend, so I should at least get double credit. Hi Alan!) pretty much always handle this stuff right. On tomorrow’s episode (Friday, November 9…check your local listings here for the time in your region), a hurricane has hit the neighborhood, and Big Bird’s nest has been destroyed. With the help of friends and volunteers, he is able to rebuild, and while he mourns the loss of the place that held so many fantastic memories for him, he comes to realize that everyone’s safety and the caring people around him are what really matter most, and new, wonderful memories are coming soon.

I just can’t imagine how riveted kids from the Sandy-struck area will be (hopefully power is back on in more homes, and wouldn’t it be great if shelters turned on PBS for the youngest residents…and teachers in the classrooms…) Seeing the characters on TV sharing the difficulties you feel is an amazing feeling. Rock On Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop, and everyone helping with the healing!

The show’s official description: On Friday, we’ll be airing a very special episode of Sesame Street.

A hurricane has swept through Sesame Street and everyone is working together to clean up the neighborhood. When Big Bird checks on his home, he is heartbroken to find that the storm has destroyed his nest. Big Bird’s friends and neighbors gather to show their support and let him know they can fix his home, but it will take time. While everyone on Sesame Street spends the next few days cleaning up and making

repairs, Big Bird still has moments where he is sad, angry, and confused. His friends help him cope with his emotions by talking about what happened, drawing pictures together, and giving him lots of hugs. They also comfort Big Bird by offering him temporary places he can eat, sleep, and play. Big Bird remembers all the good times he had at his nest and realizes that once it is rebuilt, there are more good times and memories to come. Finally the day has come where most of the repairs to Big Bird’s home are done and his nest is complete. As he is about to try it out, though, the city nest inspector says it not safe, yet, because the mud isn’t dry. Big Bird is sad that he has to wait another day, but Snuffy comes to the rescue and blows the nest dry and he passes the test! Big Bird thanks everyone for being his friend and helping to rebuild his nest and his home.