Jose-Andres Alegria Dear Steve,
WE MISSED YOU!!! More than we probably ever realized. You were a staple in my formative years. I was five years old when you left for college, and that was probably the first time in my life that I had to say goodbye to someone and not know what would happen. But it was the first thing to prepare me for when my oldest sister decided to move away a few years later. And while that may not have been your intention, I am still grateful for the lesson.
The Stuff You’ve Missed
Whoever said closure wasn’t a thing probably didn’t feel the sudden boost of serotonin of you acknowledging how abrupt your departure was. That alone made my week after watching your video. I don’t know if it’s stuff from my childhood or stuff with an ex, but it felt nice to have someone bring up the thing that they did that left me and, in this case, a couple thousand others, sad. So thanks for that!
I Went to College
As for college, it was great! I think describing it as “challenging” is a bit of an understatement. All the late nights studying in the library, writing endless pages for research papers, and learning to use my strengths while overcoming my weaknesses were more challenging than I’d like to admit. You’d be so happy, though, because even though it was hard. I met the most incredible people who have helped me through some of the hardest times in my life. They mean the world to me, sort of like how much Blue means to you. My friends were my shoulder to lean on when my parents got divorced. They even check up on me to see how I’m doing even though I live 3,000 miles away now. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
And now, I have such an amazing job. I get to write about and teach young adults who are becoming independent for the first time all of the things they need to know so they don’t feel overwhelmed. It’s like how you empowered, challenged, and built our self-esteem as kids. I get to try and do that now as an adult. You’re right. It’s not just clues anymore. We have student loans, jobs, and families. It can be intimidating to juggle all of that, but hopefully, I’m doing a good job and making it a little easier with my job.
The Last Year
It’s no secret, this past year or two has been the hardest years for some of us. COVID has been a looming threat, but the isolation is what really got to me. I had the bright idea of moving across the country away from everyone I know and love to start my new fantastic job. So it’s been pretty lonely. I think because of that, your video hit home, not just for me, but for almost everyone else who watched it. We are all starving for human connection, and here you are, coming back with a video that gave us joy. Our friend Steve is back after so long. You made me cry tears of happiness, and it was the thing I needed to hear.
I’m glad you never forgot us because we never forgot you. And I’m super glad we’re still friends.
Sincerely
–A Blue’s Clues Kid
P.S. You also look great!
And if you’re reading this and you aren’t Steve and grew up watching Blue’s Clues, then you probably become a Cartoon Network kid shortly after. I ranked the top CN shows from the early 2000s for anyone curious.
