Rogers. It’s one of the most common surnames in the United States, yet there is one person with this last name who is well known and very beloved.
Cardigan sweater. Navy blue canvas tennis shoes. He was the kindest and gentlest man. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy when thinking about him.
I consistently watched Mr. Rogers Neighborhood, along with Sesame Street and The Electric Company, on TV. Fred Rogers calm demeanor and soft tone of voice put me in a trance the minute he walked through his front door. It debuted on February 19, 1968. I was 3 days old.
I found him mesmerizing. He made the simplest task look meaningful and important. The neighbors in the show respected each other. In full transparency, I thought some of the characters in The Land Of Make Believe were frightful, but meow-meow Henrietta Cat still cracks me up!
A couple of fun side notes. Do you know Mr. Rogers was the voice of all the puppets on the show? I love that! He also responded to every piece of fan mail he received, which was about 50-100 letters per day. His mother, Nancy, knitted all the sweaters he wore on the show. Isn’t that a sweet sentiment? I have one more fun tidbit to share…a childhood friend met him back in the 1970s, and he gave her an autograph picture dedicated to her! I was jealous..lol
Fred Rogers died 23 years ago. I wonder what he would think of the world we’re living in today. In my opinion, it’s more angry, cruel, self-serving, and corrupt. Humanity seems to have been lost.
If his show were running today, the premise would remain the same, although the content would continue to evolve. He was brilliant enough to be the voice of caring and reason. He would emphasize right from wrong. He would be the one to bring people together and make them feel safe. He would make you feel important and loved, just like the 895 shows that were aired before his passing.
If he were a consultant to the administration on Pennsylvania Ave., I would be hopeful that his personality would be contagious. People would be kind. They wouldn’t lie. There would be empathy. There wouldn’t be destruction. There might even be laughter, or perhaps a pet or two.
There are 3 ways to ultimate success:
The first way is to be kind.
The second way is to be kind.
The third way is to be kind. -Fred Rogers
We need Fred Rogers more than ever. We need his compassion rather than hate. His acceptance of people who are different rather than denial. A smile instead of a sneer.
Every person should strive to emulate Fred Rogers. What an incredible human…
Kari
I can’t believe it’s been 23 years.
He was my favorite show as a child. I used to talk to him through the television, convinced he could hear me. My mom had to gently explain that he couldn’t. I really thought he was speaking just to me.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood made small things feel important. That wasn’t accidental. He treated children — and all of us — like our inner lives mattered.
Kindness sounds soft, but it isn’t. It takes restraint not to sneer. Courage not to lie. Discipline to keep showing up with decency.
Reading this felt like a small return to center. And that feels very much like him. 💜😘
myheartinpen
Kari, your words were perfect! You depicted him and the show with pure grace. Thank you for that! In some ways he was so simple, yet wise beyond his years. I DO often think of what he is thinking as he looks over us who still think of him with such respect.
Nicole MacPherson
He was an incredible human! My younger brother really loved him, but I never watched that show. I know! But I didn’t like the puppets and I found it boring, I was really more into Sesame Street and Mr Dressup. As an adult, I realized how transformative his show would have been for children, the way he validated their feelings. Maybe my life would have been different if I had watched/ absorbed his lessons as a child. I was scolded for having feelings back then!
myheartinpen
I think about him often. Sounds funny, but true. He was calm, fair, and compassionate. We need more Mr. Rogers in this world! As you know through traveling and living in Canada, the United States is so uptight, always in a damn hurry, and always angry at something! That’s why I love traveling in Europe. It’s a whole different vibe.