It’s you I like.

I’m listening to a Tank Riot* podcast about Mr. Rogers.

I’m all calm and happy listening to Mr Rogers voice, and hearing about the absolutely amazing way he lived his life with the purpose of making everyone a better person. Fred Rogers exudes respect to others, caring, and thoughtfulness. I need to remember him more often.

Here’s a quote:

“You know, it happens so often, I walk down the street, and someone 20 or 30 or 40 years old will come up to me and say “You are Mr. Rogers, aren’t you?” And then they tell me about growing up with the Neighborhood and how they’re passing on to the children they know what they found to be important in our television work, like expressing their feelings through music and art and dance and sports and drama and computers and writing, and invaribly we end our little time together with a hug.

I’m just so proud of you who have grown up with us, and I know how tough it is, some days, to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead. But I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger: I like you just the way you are.

And what’s more, I’m so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe and to help them express their feelings in ways that will bring healing in many different neighborhoods. It’s such a good feeling to know we’re lifelong friends.”

Here’s a list of reason why Mr. Rogers is so great.

*I like Tank Riot in general – the guys are not professional, by any means – they keep talking over each other, and making overly geeky references or puns. I think they sound like me if I had a podcast where I research whatever it is I’m interested in that week.