Fred Rogers

"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning." These are the words of Fred Rogers  a.k.a. Mister Rogers. Fred's love for children was one of such sincerity and insight, it makes to very pertinent today as well as I'm very sure in the future.

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So, in preparation on the upcoming film that Tom Hanks will star in I wanted to tell you a little of his true background.

 

He seemed to have an enlighten view on children's one that may have only came as a gift from birth. This was accompanied with his theology studies which even led to his become and ordained minister.

 

His love form children started at an early age by his own nourishing surrounding which included his parent, grandparents and sister.  After high school Fred went to school at Dartmouth, college and later  transferred to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida to finish up and get some sunshine, where he earned a degree in Musical Composition. Later while working back in his home town in Pittsburgh he attended theology school and was ordained a minister. Around that time his parents purchased a television and he was amazed at the device, thinking that this type of media could be used to educate children, not only in school work but character building and love for ones self, which goes into another one of Fred Rogers quotes that came from a documentary "Americas favorite neighbor" "where he said " You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving."

 

After that time Mister Rodgers moved to Canada and developed part of the foundation that would be later be know as "Mr.. Rogers neighborhood". He moved back home to Pittsburgh and after acquiring the rights to the show he began creating his beloved show that eventually went nation wide. "Mr. Rogers neighbor hood ran for over 32 years!

 

It is also funny to note that when working in Pittsburgh, Fred did not want a desk in his office but only wanted coach. He said that the desk felt do much like a barrier between him and who was visiting or working with him at the time. Instead he would humbly work on a yellow note pad and chat to visitors and even some times to their amazement sings to them as natural as someone would shake their hands.

 

His perspective on love in general knew no bounds and in such a busy world we are all lucky that there at least was a teacher to lend us perspective. Did you know that Fred Rogers was a vegetarian but loved Thanksgiving very much? He used to say that cooking for your family was another way of saying I love you, and quotes others says that tradition to humans are close to the same thing as instincts to animals.

 

His legacy will endure as quotes of his words abound and I'm sure there are some other very important messages to be found when people need a little support and hope.

 

It is funny that the words that he spoke, speaks not only to our children but still speaks to the child that is alive in all of us, and we are all a little better for the gift of Fred Rogers and I know is love and wisdom will continue on. I would also like to add that the creators of the new Mr. Rogers film states that "now more than ever, today's society needs Fred Rogers!"

 

Much of this information has been paraphrased from Wikipedia and goodreads, however the perspective of this article is that of the author and always fan of "Mr. Rogers".