On this day, an entire fandom stood still. #jdffn #ripjdf

I'm a little emotional and embarrassed (I don't know why) but I feel like I have to get this out there. How do you say goodbye to such a pivotal part of your childhood? A formative influence on your whole life? I know there are those who will say "it's only a TV show" but JDF was so much more. I've long wished I could tell him exactly what both Tommy and he himself meant to me. As a kid living in a somewhat abusive home, who was bullied a lot and always felt different (many years before my official autism diagnosis) I adored the Power Rangers. They were my first heroes. I latched on. And whilst I liked the Green Ranger it was the White that really grabbed me. This guy who started off being used & abused, went through real struggles & constant attempts to take his power from him (the subtext is rapidly becoming text here) rose as something special, the cool new powers were neat but he was a leader! And boy did he step up! I still love that first movie too and it's Tommy's lines from it that resonate. I know JDF wasn't universally beloved and there were those who resent his seeming takeover of the whole franchise but every time I saw him with fans, making video blogs or around others I saw that leader. He cared. That came through. I can't tell you how much it hurts to know I'll now never be able to tell him just what he meant to me. The thought that he may have felt unloved hurts even more. I really hope somewhere, somehow that he knows now. I can't really express it adequately. In my younger days I had many figures of the Green & White Rangers, when Dino Thunder came around I had a little brother and he had a few Black Ranger figures. But I've never owned a Zeo Red. It's not my favourite of Tommy's forms (forever the White) but it's a close second, and really represents leadership. I have been collecting Lightning Collection figures for a while now but I found an affordable Zeo Red and through my emotions I bought it. It feels like I've completed my Tommy journey, and will always be a symbol reminding me of everything JDF & Tommy will always mean. So I raise my sword to you friend, brother, leader, hero. May the power protect you always. But mostly thank you for your part in making me who I am. Rest well. You've earned it. #PowerRangers #RIPJDF #JasonDavidFrank

Reliving some bittersweet childhood memories. #PowerRangers #RIPJDF #MightyMorphinPowerRangers

It’s a sad day for power ranger fans. Kai and I are devastated.
#ripjdf