You Are Special

November 22, 2019

Because A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood is in theaters today and because !! I LOVE HIM SO !!

I repeat my words from November, 2016.

! Enjoy !

– – – – – – – – – –

Remember Mister Rogers and his Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood ?
I do.
But, not for the example that man and his unique show taught zillions of youngsters.
Nope.
In my case, it’s more about how my feelings changed.
About him
& about his message.

I am ten years older than my youngest sibling.
So technically, it was Sister who introduced me to Mr Rogers.
I was probably in my mid to late teens when I got my first dose of ‘Meow Meow Kitty’ and Company
& I’ll forever remember my initial reaction.
What ???!!!?
EWWWW.

I hated it.
I did not understand this guy named Fred
& what’s up with all those strange looking characters in that awful, make believe village ?

“I beg of you …” I would plead to Mom.
Change the channel !
Please !! keep it off the tv when I’m around !
Pleaseeeeeeee.

I despised that show
& I refused to listen or to even look at that odd, soft spoken Mr Rogers.
GO. AWAY.

Fast forward to my children.
I was 25 years old or thereabouts when my son was born.
So let’s figure, I was pushing thirty when Mr Rogers reentered my life.

This time, being a little bit wiser, I paid attention
& this time, Mister Rogers and his one of a kind Neighborhood hit me right smack dab in the heart.

Fred Rogers looked straight into my eyes and handed me a beautiful mantra.
You. Are. Special.

Bam.

Those three little words were magic to my brain.
Who ??
Me ?
You talking to me ??!?

Yep.
He WAS talking to me
& to you
andyouandyouandyouandyouandyou …

WE are special
& it’s about time we realize the power behind these awesomely uncomplicated words.

So today, I am tipping my hat to that kind, gentle soul named Fred Rogers.
I honestly felt like I lost a close friend when that man left this life.
He changed me in so many ways.

I know I was young and naive at the time but, my first impression of Mr Rogers was so, soooooo wrong.
I didn’t even give the man a chance.
Not one chance.
I decided I hated him because … because …?

uh huh.

Lesson learned Mr Rogers.

“…there’s only one in this wonderful world… you are special….”

Oh, Yes.
Yes you are.

🙂

& because I have written about this genuine soul many times, here are a few more inspirations from him to me to you.

♥