In a time when children’s TV was dominated by clowns and
cowboys, Fred Rogers was just himself – a good man, who spoke directly and
plainly to children (and adults), with a message of self-worth, fairness,
tolerance and good citizenship. In a world punctuated by violence, fear and
hate, his message is perhaps even more relevant today. His gentle persona had
an impact on me as a child, and for the rest of my life. He was a man who
embodied the best of what we can be. He was a great American hero. And
certainly one of mine.
A new documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor”, was recently
released to honor what would have been his 90th birthday. The
trailer is at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV_kxc9PxrQ
A couple of his quotes ring particularly true to me:
“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.”
( I would add that I gain
something from every person I meet)
“At the center of the
Universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for
every person. Anything that we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit
and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job. Those of us who
have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service.”
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