Mr. Rogers Said...

As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has- or ever will have- something inside that is unique to all time. It's our job to encourage each other to discover that uniqueness and to provide ways of developing its expression.

 

― Fred Rogers

 

 

 

When you admire someone's uniqueness, tell them! It's a powerful thing.

Mister Rogers said...

If you could only sense how important you are

to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be

to the people you may never even dream of.

There is something of yourself that you leave

at every meeting with another person.

 

― Fred Rogers

 

 

 

Today is Fred Rogers birthday! Let's play nice today, shall we?

Why I love Mister Rogers

Like many 70s kids, I watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood every day.  Saturday mornings were all about Hanna Barbera, but during the week, PBS was "where it's at".  While I sat quietly in front of the tv, I learned how to make believe, how to make friends, and how to be. 

Mr. Rogers taught us that we were all special, unique and fine.  He told us it was ok to be glad and sad and mad.  He said we didn't need to be perfect, we didn't have to know everything; we just had to be ourselves.  That is powerful stuff, neighbors, and he was singin' it long before Lady Gaga.  (No disrespect, Mama Monster.)

After Fred Rogers' passing in 2003, I found myself itching to learn everything I could about him.  What was his secret?  How did he captivate young and old?  How did he magically soothe people's hearts? How did he become so trusted and respected?

Well, guess what.  I learned his secret. Shhh...

When Mister Rogers wasn't Mister Rogers, he was Mr. Rogers.  On and off camera, he was the same man, with the same voice, with the same laugh and the same gentle demeanor. The Presbyterian minister who dedicated his life to working with children and families, who advocated on our behalf to the US government, who was a pioneer in public television broadcasting, was the very same man who sang to us and colored with us and showed us how crayons were made.  

That's why I loved Mr. Rogers, and why I still do.  He was never a caricature of himself.  He loved children so much that he was his true self with them and with everyone he knew.  I love him for what he did for kids, what he did for families, what he did for mental health and for what he did for me.  He was truly humble, truly kind, truly honorable and truly loved





This clip of Mr. Rogers in front of the Senate Subcommittee on Communications is a beautiful example of his gift. I am amazed (but not surprised) at the way his calm and honest demeanor won the respect and consideration of one very grumpy Senator Pastore.  Can you imagine being in Mr. Rogers' presence?  What a gift he gave Capitol Hill that day!

To honor his legacy, I thought I'd share Mister Rogers' wisdom with you in a new little feature called, "Mister Rogers Said..." because we all need that neighborhood expression of care.  So, be on the look-out for the little blue sneaker in future posts.



If you'd like to learn more about Mr. Rogers, I recommend the following books: