A Tribute to Mr. Fred Rogers

From a member of our Kindness Magnet Community

Fred Rogers

“To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and right now.” ~ Fred Rogers

I’ve been planning a tribute to Fred Rogers for some time. His birthdate is March 20 (1928).

One of our readers, Blake Roberts, shared a story with me about his personal encounter many years ago with the incredible Fred Rogers. Blake has offered to share that story with you. I can’t think of a more fitting tribute.

A Letter From Fred Rogers

In 1990, a young Blake Roberts wrote a letter in braille to Fred Rogers. Blake couldn’t see Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, but he could listen.

Not long after, Blake got a letter back from Mr. Rogers.

The letter below (slightly edited) is one of two that Fred Rogers sent to Blake. Both were written on a braille machine.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
December, 1990

Dear Blake,

Your wonderful letter meant so much to me and to all of us here in the Neighborhood. I'm glad you and your mother wanted to write because that gave us a chance to get to know you as a real person. We're all pleased that you like our television visits and tapes so much.

It was interesting to see that your letter was in Braille. One time we had a Braille machine on our program, and I showed my television friends how it works. I always enjoy learning about machines that help people communicate with each other. It meant a great deal to me that you wanted to communicate with me through your letter, and it's good that there is such a thing as a Braille typewriter to help you do that. We have a friend who is blind, and he was glad to send our letter back to you in Braille.

Blake, even though you cannot see, there are many things you can do. Communicating about your thoughts and feelings is one thing you can do. And, it gives me a good feeling to know that enjoying our program is another thing you can do!

You asked some interesting questions, Blake, And I'm going to answer them in this letter:

 (1) What is my real home like? While our two sons were growing up, we lived in a house. But now that they are older--Jim (or we also call him Jay) is 31 and John is 29--my wife and I live in an apartment. You also asked how my family is, and I'm happy to tell you we are all fine.

(2) Does my real home look different than our television home? Yes, it is different because our television home is a "television set." It was built by our Art Department so that it works well for the television cameras, and it's put up in the studio at WQED whenever we need it to make our new programs.

In a way, it's like a pretend house; it doesn't have a roof or a front wall so the television cameras can move around well and show what's needed.

(3) What is my life like? It meant a lot to me that you care about my life. When you care about people, you want to know more about them, and I'm pleased that you care about me. That's a hard question to answer simply, and I thought it may help you if I send some articles that your family can read to you so that you can know more about my life.

Blake, I'm really pleased to have a television friend like you. You make each day a special day for the people who care about you, just because you're you.

Your television friend,

Mister Rogers

I’ve always admired Fred Rogers. His warmth and kindness were such a part of his show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. But when I read his letter to Blake, I realized that he was so much more than a television personality who talked about being kind. He was a human being who saw the value of kind communication. He lived those values in his life. That’s something we can all aspire to do.

Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood

Blake recently wrote a beautiful poem about his hero, Fred Rogers that he has graciously offered to share with you.

Fred was one of my heroes
from a childhood gone by.
I know that he had to go
to heaven and meet God in the sky.

I'm much older now, with gray hair on my head.
I've been a grown-up long.
As time passes, I still remember Fred:
his voice, his words, his songs.

He reminded those who chose to hear
about showing love, kindness and care.
He demonstrated spreading cheer
and always being there.

In these words I want to convey
that Fred Rogers is a shining star.
As he himself would say,
“I like you just the way you are.”

Fred Rogers gave the gift of kindness to millions of children, including Blake Roberts. I hope you will join me in thanking Blake for this special tribute to Mr. Fred Rogers.

Thanks for reading. We appreciate you being here. 😊

⭐I wanted to let you know that we’re taking a break from posting. Meanwhile, please enjoy the Kindness Magnet Library… more than 100 posts for your reading pleasure.

Heather and Bill

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Comments:

1. We have the most wonderful community here in Kindness Magnet. Thank you, Blake, for sharing your tribute to Mr. Rogers with all of us. We appreciate you.

2. Did you or your children watch Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood? What are your memories?

3. Kindness can have a positive impact on someone even years later. Have you experienced a kindness in your earlier life that still resonates with you today?