Fred Rogers, Mister Rogers to generations of children who watched his PBS show “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” was a kind man.
When he accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award during the 1997 Emmys, Fred Rogers brought tears to the eyes of many in attendance. Performers who had likely never seen or heard an acceptance speech like his.
He said: “All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take along with me ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life”.
Rogers then asked for ten seconds of silence and said “I’ll watch the time” as he stared at his wristwatch as dead air ensued.
In this most remarkable “acceptance” speech for any television performer, Fred Rogers added “whomever you’ve been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made”.
I must confess, this plea was too irresistible to pass up.
Who cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life?
If they are still alive, tell them. If not honor their memory.
This kind of gratitude is transformational.
Here is the Fred Rogers video.
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