FRED ROGERS

Fred Rogers

Today I tried to think of something kooky to write about but my mind was blank. Then I looked at the calendar and it dawned on me that I started my broadcasting career in the early 1990's around this time of year at a regional PBS TV station. My previous post about a funny little kid on an airplane flight I had taken started me thinking about the late Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". The impact of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" on millions of kids is legendary. Johnny Carson used to love having Fred as a Guest on "The Tonight Show". And no one laughed harder at Johnny's skits impersonating Mister Rogers than Fred himself! I am convinced that if we can laugh at ourselves, our sense of humor can help others lighten their worries. Fred's life was all about teaching and encouraging kids to follow their dreams. When Fred passed away in 2003, there was a black & white vertical photo that I think made nearly every major newspaper in the country. Fred had just finished taping an episode and he was walking through the television studio to leave when someone behind him with a camera apparently called out his name. There he was in mid-stride wearing his trademark Cardigan sweater and sneakers. He turned his head, looked over his right shoulder, smiled and held up his right hand to wave at the camera. Fred was a Class act to the end. His gift to kids was relating to them and he cared deeply about their well being and stability. He was interesting too! Fred earned his degree in Music Composition, and whenever he felt uptight, he sat down and played the piano to chill out. People who had worked with him told me that he felt everyone he met was special, and he was a living example that if you stick with your dreams, you will make it!! So, I didn't have much to say today except that everyone can use a positive word of encouragement. Here's how Fred Rogers ended each show no matter what: "You've made this day a special day by just your being you. There's no person in the whole world like you, and I like you just the way you are. See you tomorrow. Bye!"

(Cue up music bed: up tempo jazz piano)