Special.

When I first returned to grad school, I remember that I had visions of emulating Mr. Rogers. Not his fame. Not even really his medium of puppetry and television. Just his wholehearted authenticity and work to make the world a better place for children.

I'd kind of forgotten of that inspiration lately so I was delighted to read these letters this morning, via my daily treat read of a site, Letters of Note:

letters via the fabulous Letters of Note

What a remarkable exchange, especially knowing that it was probably replicated hundreds, thousands of times with other young and old correspondents. Just brim-full with compassion and...namaste.  It reminded me to look up one of my all-time favorite articles, a 1998 profile of Fred Rogers in Vanity Fair magazine (reposted here; you might want to know there are a couple of profanities).

Indulge me with another favorite (I think I posted this before but I can't find it for sure).  I dare you to watch it and take the 10 second challenge he issues. 

I can't be Mr. Rogers. I'm just not that guy, not that good or thoroughly guileless, don't have the sweaters or the single-focused discipline. 

Over time my interests have evolved to be oriented more around parents than children. But this morning I realized I still take a great dose of inspiration from him. I think parents (everyone, really) experience processes of development and growth and change in their roles with accompanying emotions and challenges that can be equally bewildering and novel. Mr. Rogers's preschooler friends are not the only ones trying to figure out their world and thirsty to know they are known, understood, and supported. We don't outgrow that.

So, in honor of Mr. Rogers, I'd like to say to you, reading this: you are good and capable and special.  Just the way you are.

Your blog friend and neighbor,

A.

Comments

[martha]

Oh the patience and focus. I rarely have those. I forget about perspective sometimes, especially with children. My asperger daughter is navigating her way through public school this year. She is advanced academically but her social skills are truly developmentally delayed, and she is often a target. I just find myself so overwhelmed trying to do the right thing by placing myself not only in her perspective but in the neighbor child's perspective as well. Why does my development have to be so tough?:)

But Mister Rogers! He is an inspiration, remembering worth is really the key. I remember an article in "The Friend" quite a while ago, it was about a little boy who was being teased. The boy's mother told him to remember that Heavenly Father loved the teasing boy just as much as He loved him. That haunts me always. Each person is loved infinitely and that really does change perspective. Thanks Annie.

[robin]

Sniff Sniff. Thanks for such an awesome post.

[Anne]

@Martha, I love those thoughts about perspective. So true! You are just who your daughter needs.

[Christie]

I love Mister Rogers. He will always have a special place in my heart. What amazing letters. However do you find such cool sites? You are mmy source, sista. Keep them coming.