The smell of toast and bacon drifted from the kitchen into my grandma’s living room on a Saturday morning as my cousin and I sat on the floor watching our favorite show— SpongeBob Squarepants. We would laugh hysterically at the silly anecdotes and puns the yellow sponge—who lived in a pineapple under the sea—would make.
I’d like to thank Stephen Hillenburg, a former marine biology teacher, for creating Spongebob Squarepants and his beloved comical companions, he has truly made my life full of laughter. I'm sad to see that he has been diagnosed with ALS, but I know his life made mine better, and I'd just like to thank him for that.
Thank you for creating a show that has stayed with me from childhood and throughout adulthood. Watching it for the first time as a kid I knew I loved the show. From my SpongeBob pillow case to the pineapple house in my fish tank, I fell in love with the show and the characters developed throughout its plot. As I grew older I started to appreciate the sly adult humor put in here and there, something that obviously went over my head as a child.
Thank you for creating characters that I continue to find myself identifying with and that are always teaching me new lessons. Spongebob Squarepants, the bubbly and wholehearted sponge that he is- he has and always will be naïve to the world around him, but he always keeps a smiling face despite any situation. Then there was Spongebob's beloved sidekick, Patrick Star, the dim-witted, best friend, and partner in crime. I can relate to his Krabby patty food cravings (who wouldn’t? They look delicious—even if they aren’t real) and his occasional flashes of brilliance. Patrick always showed me that being loyal to your friends is very important. I even learned lessons from Mr. Krabs, who is known to be stingy and would do anything for a nickel, but also demonstrates dedication to his keeping his legacy under wraps, the Krabby patty secret formula. Nobody could disregard Squidward Tentacles (occasionally known as Tennisballs or Tortellini). Squidward is known to be grumpy sometimes but shows us to always do the things you love, even if you’re not that good at it, such as playing the clarinet. Last but certainly not least, thank you for creating Sandy Cheeks- the karate chopping, spitfire Squirrel. Despite what people may say, Sandy always showed me that it was OK to play with the boys as a kid and that you’re stronger than you may think. Thank you for creating these characters that made me laugh and that I could always relate to— despite the situation.
Thank you for making SpongeBob SquarePants a show I can always associate good memories with. I can remember watching the show on Saturday mornings— and frankly every rerun that was on during the week— either at home or at my grandma’s house, laughing until my stomach hurt. Even now as a college student, I still watch the show from time to time— most recently last week—when I’m stressed or just need a good laugh.
Stephen Hillenburg I’d just like to personally thank you for your commitment to the show and for helping me make memories I’ll never forget, and lessons I’ll always keep with me. I wish you the best for you and your family.
