Listen to thisAs I was sitting in front of my computer preparing my monthly Soapbox column, the phone rang. It was our son Mark, calling from Seattle. He had heard in the news that Fred Rogers – Mister Rogers to his friends and children all over the world – had just died , and knew that I would want to know right away. I had not yet heard the news, but when I turned on our Public Radio station that also sponsors the Mister Rogers children's television program, what did I hear but the distinctive voice of Mister Rogers singing, Its you I like.
That did it and of course I began to sniffle. Indeed, here was Mister Rogers liking me, caring about me, accepting me, as I sat here, uncombed, in an old sweater, drinking too much coffee, chewing on a pen, trying to choose the proper words for my column. Here was Mister Rogers himself soothing and comforting us all as we grieve and try to deal with the loss of him.
Pittsburgh was home to Mister Rogers and his television program for children, Mister Rogers Neighbourhood. I actually met Fred Rogers back in the winter of 1961 – 42 years ago! We were taking a Child Development class on the school age child, taught by Dr. Sara Arnaud at the University of Pittsburgh. At the time, to me Fred was that nice minister from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary who wanted to learn more about children, just as I was the new arts and crafts person working with the children on the 6th floor of the building where we had our class. As the years went on, Fred developed Mister Rogers Neighbourhood and became Mister Rogers. Now and then, I would run into him around town at the occasions that brought people involved with children together, and would receive a greeting as warm as the neighbourhood sun.
When I had my own children I would watch the children's television programs with them. Would you believe – well, you would – that I loved watching him myself? The distinctive tinkling music, the little train coming around the corner, the red sweater and the pair of sneakers from the closet, these daily rituals gave a sense of security and stability. He was a window on the world as well, when on each program he would introduce us to a person who had something interesting and special to share with us. With Mister Rogers to provide us a secure base, we could then look outwards, to all of the exciting activities and people in the world. When I lived away from Pittsburgh for a year when on sabbatical, many mornings I would watch Mister Rogers before I set to work. I was both comforted and energized by that connection to home.
So, still sniffling, I'm taking a one month moratorium from my usual Soapbox topics to remember someone who so affirmed the best of us, offered us comfort no matter what our age, showed us the meaning of childhood and how we could be a part of helping children grow and develop. Thank you, Fred, for teaching us and for continually reminding us of the true value of understanding child development and what this can do to help make this troubled world a better one.
Today and for many more days to come, Mister Rogers, It's You I Like.
