2008 Woodie Awards
Mr. Roger's: Everyone's Favorite Neighbor
Lily Velez
Issue date: 9/25/06 Section: Life & Times
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Every day, Reverence Frederick McFeely Rogers, '51, known as Mr. Rogers, warmly welcomed us into his humble living room, singing of beautiful days and his wish to be our friend. He took us on field trips to the simplest of places in our neighborhoods - places we too often overlook, places we too often take for granted.
Through him we learned to appreciate the daily endeavors of a baker, a mailman, or even a zookeeper. He shared with us the very heart of his imagination in a place called The Neighborhood of Make-Believe, and taught us lessons and values some of us may still carry along today. He was everyone's favorite neighbor.
Now, three years after Mr. Rogers died of stomach cancer at the age of 74, he is still commemorated by adoring fans and those who personally had the honor to call him their friend. One such individual is acclaimed author Tim Madigan, who chronicles his seven-year friendship with Mr. Rogers in his most recent work: "I'm Proud of You."
The 196-paged memoir is a delightful read, laced with uplifting anecdotes that are reminiscent of Chicken Soup for the Soul. To get through the first chapter without letting your eyes well with tears is a challenge within itself. The story might also call to memory another similar tale: "Tuesday's with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, the internationally praised bestseller that has been published in over thirty different languages. The parallels are striking: an aging professor, a young writer struggling over the weight of many an obstacle and the life-changing spiritual journey taken within their correspondence.
Of course, Mr. Rogers was larger than life before the publication of "I'm Proud of You" - named so on account of Mr. Rogers often signing his letters to Madigan with the acronym "IPOY".
His show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", aired on PBS from 1968 to 2001, making it the station's longest running program. The Presbyterian minister loved children dearly, and committed himself without end to their welfare and education. These efforts never went unrecognized or without celebration.
Through him we learned to appreciate the daily endeavors of a baker, a mailman, or even a zookeeper. He shared with us the very heart of his imagination in a place called The Neighborhood of Make-Believe, and taught us lessons and values some of us may still carry along today. He was everyone's favorite neighbor.
Now, three years after Mr. Rogers died of stomach cancer at the age of 74, he is still commemorated by adoring fans and those who personally had the honor to call him their friend. One such individual is acclaimed author Tim Madigan, who chronicles his seven-year friendship with Mr. Rogers in his most recent work: "I'm Proud of You."
The 196-paged memoir is a delightful read, laced with uplifting anecdotes that are reminiscent of Chicken Soup for the Soul. To get through the first chapter without letting your eyes well with tears is a challenge within itself. The story might also call to memory another similar tale: "Tuesday's with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, the internationally praised bestseller that has been published in over thirty different languages. The parallels are striking: an aging professor, a young writer struggling over the weight of many an obstacle and the life-changing spiritual journey taken within their correspondence.
Of course, Mr. Rogers was larger than life before the publication of "I'm Proud of You" - named so on account of Mr. Rogers often signing his letters to Madigan with the acronym "IPOY".
His show, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood", aired on PBS from 1968 to 2001, making it the station's longest running program. The Presbyterian minister loved children dearly, and committed himself without end to their welfare and education. These efforts never went unrecognized or without celebration.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Edmund Sergeant '94
posted 10/04/06 @ 3:56 PM EST
Well done!!!
Post a Comment