Fred Rogers, My Hero

I am one of those people who tries not to let cynicism run so deep inside him that he no longer has heroes. And one of greatest heroes is Fred Rogers.

I grew up on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, as perhaps you did, and his ever-present voice of assurance in my young life still gives me confidence in my place in the world. Just the way I am.

As an adult I have found a few videos and articles that have solidified my belief in the extraordinary goodness of Fred Rogers, a man for whom grace was a way of life. I wanted to share them with you.

1. My favorite piece of creative non-fiction, an article about Mr. Rogers by Tom Junod titled "Can You Say... Hero?" (I know it's long. After you've read the first two paragraphs I promise it will be very hard to put down.)

2. CNN's fifteen reasons Mr. Rogers was "the best neighbor ever."

3. Mr. Rogers' speech after receiving a Lifetime Achievement award at the 1997 Emmys, a beautiful display of humility and kindness and truth:



4. Mr. Rogers goes to Washington and convinces the Senate not to cut funding for PBS:



5. Mr. Rogers' farewell speech, which I just can't watch without crying:



Thank you so much, Fred.