I am a performer because of the Muppets. As a young child inspired by the Muppets, I began doing puppet shows. This eventually led me to do live theatre. And the Muppets' sense of innocence and silliness carried with me into my career as a Circus Clown. Without a doubt, I am the person I am today greatly because of the Muppets' presence in my life.

I remember exactly where I was when I heard that Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, had died on May 16, 1990. It was devastating news. The world had lost an amazing and original creative genius. But his Muppets continue to live on in their shows, their specials and their movies.

I have an extensive collection of Muppet programs and specials on video and DVD, and my library continues to grow. I just recently added to my collection a DVD of Jim Henson's funeral service. I had seen clips from the memorial, but never the service in its entirety. I was excited to see this rare treasure and have it in my library.

I wasn't prepared for what a profound effect viewing the funeral would have on me. The two and a half hour service, held in New York at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, was an epic and moving event full of memories, sorrow, music and laughter.

Many people who knew and worked with Jim spoke and shared stories and memories of Jim. Frank Oz, Jim's long time collaborator who performed Bert to Jim's Ernie and Fozzie Bear and Miss Piggy to Jim's Kermit, elicited laughter with his memories of Jim, but ultimately couldn't continue as his feelings and tears overcame him.

Jim's family also spoke at the service. Two of his children, Cheryl and Brian, shared excerpts from a letter that their father had left them, written four years before his death. In it he said: "I'm not at all afraid of the thought of death and look forward to it. I suggest you first have a friendly little service of some kind. It would be lovely if there was a song or two...and someone said some nice, happy words about me....This may sound silly to you guys, but what the hell, I'm gone-and who can argue with me?"

And there were indeed songs and music. The most touching moment was when Big Bird sang Kermit the Frog's signature song "Bein' Green." We forgot that Big Bird was a puppet. He was real and his emotions were real, and he brought tears to our eyes. At the end of the song, Big Bird said "Thank you, Kermit." It was heart wrenching.

Several of Jim's fellow Muppet Show performers sang a medley of songs, both silly and touching, citing how much fun Jim used to have during their music recording sessions. As they sang their final song, "If Just One Person," they brought out their Muppets to join them onstage. And as the song built and swelled, more and more Muppets from many of Jim Henson's productions joined them until the stage was filled with Muppets and performers singing in tribute to Jim. It was an emotional scene that gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes.

The entire memorial service was touching. It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me think about how much Jim Henson and the Muppets meant to me. It made me think about my life and where I am today. It made me think about the joy performing brings to me, and the delight I find in entertaining others and making them laugh. I owe so much to Jim Henson.

"Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life, enjoy it"
- Jim Henson