Some superheroes don't wear capes and tights. Some wear cardigan sweaters and loafers. And some spend more time talking about feelings than trying to show how superviolence is the answer to violence.I'm of course talking about Mr. Rogers who has been my hero for many years even though his puppets were hokey and the dialog contrived. His tone of voice was always comforting and calming.
Likewise, his book The World According to Mr. Rogers isn't a puff piece with lots of numbered lists or slogans that start with (pick a letter). The items in his book are merely observations of a wise man. For example "I find out more and more every day how important it is for people to share their memories." Or "As different as we are from one another, as unique as each one of us is, we are much more the same than we are different. That may be the most essential message of all, as we help our children grow toward being caring, compassionate, and charitable adults."
This one summed up his attitude of caring: "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, "Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping." There are only four sections in the book: The Courage to Be Yourself, Understanding Love, The Challenges of Inner Discipline, and We Are All Neighbors. They were all wonderful.
Fred McFeely Rogers was an ordained minister. His ministry was unique but powerful and though he died February 27, 2003, his influence continues. This book would make a nice gift for someone you love.
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