I am grieving the loss of the patron saint of the neighborhood. Fred Rogers, known to most of us simply as “Mr. Rogers” died of stomach cancer yesterday.
Raised in Canada I didn’t grow up watching Mr. Rogers, I grew up with his protégé, Mr. Dressup, in fact I was introduced to Mr. Rogers through Eddie Murphy’s Saturday Night Live character, “Mr. Robinson.” But I have come to deeply appreciate him deeply.
I thought it was very cool when I learned that Mr. Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister, who was commissioned to do the show as a faithful expression of his ordination vows. Since learning the news of his death, I’ve seen and heard a number of beautiful stories from people who were touched by his show, or personal encounters with him. Over and over again, I’ve heard beautiful stories of those children having Mr. Rogers full and undivided attention testifying to his faithful presence. I loved seeing footage of him talking about bringing serious life issues to children and helping the kids understand complex feelings, equipping the kids with practical tools unto fostering social, emotional, and relational intelligence.
What a legacy he leaves.
Rest in Peace, dwight
