Earlier this week, my dear childhood neighbor had a huge milestone anniversary - 50 golden years on Public Television. No, of course I did not really live in the same neighborhood as the beloved Mister Rogers, but he sure did make me feel like I did. There are several generations of people who know exactly what I am talking about. Was it the catchy opening theme song? Was it because he broke the "4th wall of television" by looking us straight in the eye and speaking directly to his audience? Could it be that there were only 4 or 5 television stations back then and there wasn't much else to watch? I truly think it is because Fred Rogers knew exactly what we all needed...a warm and friendly welcome, a very calming and soothing demeanor, and the comfort of knowing that our dear friend and neighbor would be there to greet us each and every day. Given what is going on in the world right now, we sure could use a warm and friendly face reaching out to soothe us during these turbulent times.
I have so many fond memories of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, one among them is the very sweet routine that he went through when he arrived home each day. I remember being enchanted as I watched him change out of his suit jacket and dress shoes into his trademark red cardigan and white sneakers. There was something so comforting about that routine. It sent a powerful message that "I am home, my workday is behind me, and I am ready to pay attention to you and listen to what you have to say." That sweater had an impact on more than just me because it is now hanging in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.
What do you think about Fred Rogers' daily routine and his sweet way of looking at life? There were lessons in each and every episode about friendship, love and compassion. He even reminded us that children have a job, just like adults do, and that their job is to play and to learn. Even though the show's last new episode was in 2001 and Fred Rogers passed away in 2003, his many lessons and teachings have left an imprint on our hearts. Many people have quoted him in recent years because he famously once said that his mother had told him "in scary times, always look for the helpers. There is always someone trying to help." We sure did need to be reminded to do that this past week.
Have you tried to incorporate some of Mister Rogers' teachings in your own life? Imagine how you would feel if you did. How great would you feel if you took the time each day to change into your comfy clothes, you treated everyone as a close neighborhood pal, and you made it a priority to learn and play each day? I can think of no better time than now, and no better way to pay homage to this late great man, than to create a warm blanket of comfort for ourselves and our loved ones, just like Mister Rogers has been doing for fifty wonderful years.