Remembering Mister Rogers

Who can't admit it? Some days, Mr. Rogers just made you feel good. Some of us may have made fun of him when we got older, but really, we loved him. And he genuinely loved us, "just the way we are". I recently came across some videos of his life and work on youtube and felt compelled to put him out here. For all the little ones who will not get to grow up with him in your living room, maybe a few clips and photos will bring a little joy to someone, like he used to do for us.

I hope you all enjoy remembering him as much as I do.

Thanks Mister Rogers for all you did for us. We will never forget you.

Image Source

Words and Music by Fred M. Rogers

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,

A beautiful day for a neighbor.

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,

A neighborly day for a beauty.

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?...

I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.

I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.

So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.

Since we're together we might as well say:

Would you be mine?

Could you be mine?

Won't you be my neighbor?

Won't you please,

Won't you please?

Please won't you be my neighbor?

Sheet music can be downloaded Here

Mr Rogers Neighborhood was a childrens' television show which came on weekday mornings on public television. So, unless you were home sick, it was mostly viewed by smaller preschool aged kids. It was a treat though, when feeling bad, to lie on the couch and watch our "old friend" Mr. Rogers when we were home sick from school. He and his puppets and guests were like comfort food. You just couldn't help but feel a little bit better, at least while you were tuned in!

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood usually had a theme for each show. There was usually a special guest, a young teenager or older kid who had some kind of special talent, or maybe he or she was handicapped, or he might have been part of a group such as boy scouts or a school choir. The puppets usually got to meet the guest, and would interact with them in their little kingdom. They all lived in sweet little fantasy world Mr. Rogers set up, and you could only get there by the trolley.

He often made some kind of craft and would bring in an expert to help him show how to make it. Materials were simple household items that most of us could find and make the craft along with him.

Mr Fred Rogers was also a Methodist Preacher but I think his great calling in ministry had to be his show. It was a gem I could never realize the value of, until much later in life.

From my friend Mountain Jim who lives in a log cabin in the mountains. Mr Rogers' influence is everywhere!

King Friday, Queen Sara, Prince Tuesday (one of only 2 characters who aged), Henrietta Pussycat, X the Owl, Lady Elaine, Daniel Tiger.....

and even though he never talks, I include the neighborhood trolley as a character.