Mr. Rogers' legacy of kindness

Mr. Rogers was such an iconic and encouraging person. Tom Junod told of his real-life friendship with Mr. Rogers in his article "Can You Say... Hero?" (Esquire November 1988). Junod's life was ultimately changed as he encountered the kindness and compassion of Fred Rogers.

"Mutual caring relationships require 

kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, 

joy in the other's achievements, confidence in oneself, 

and the ability to give without undue thought of gain."

Living in Canada without cable vision, meant I didn't grow up with Mr. Rogers. (Mr. Dressup was the main entertainer here in Canada.) Whether you grew up with Mr. Rogers, or not, the story of kindness is one everyone can embrace.

Mr. Rogers was an ordained minister (1963), although instead of being a pastor of a church, he spoke his message of hope and encouragement to children and their families through his TV show. Mr. Roger's mission was to inspire us to show kindness to others, to deal with difficult emotions, and to fix strained relationships.

"If we ... can only make it clear that feelings are mentionable 

and manageable, 

we will have done a great service for mental health." 

- Mr. Rogers testifies before Congress (1969)

~❀~ Chelsey ~❀~