You Know You’re Getting Old When…
…you spend your Saturday night watching this documentary. Tom got it for me from the library (because he knows I’ve always had a big crush on him), and I cried almost the entire way through it.
Where have all the Mister Rogers gone? Why hasn’t he been sainted? Never mind all of that Vatican red tape, I’m officially making him my personal saint. Saint Mister Rogers, patron of neighborhoods, simple songs, the young and young at heart, and the Land of Make Believe. I’m making a patron saint candle with his image on it, and I’m lighting it every night. When I die, I want to be buried with my Saint Mister Rogers medal and the sheet music to “It’s You I Like.” He’s my hero, right up there with Bruce Lee, Buddha and Johnny Rotten.
What a good man.
Alyson said,
April 19, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I loved Mister Rogers. In fact, I walked my mail route one gorgeous spring day recently humming, “It’s A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood”.
Don’t feel bad about your Saturday night. We’re currently watching a MASH Rerun.
cantueso said,
April 20, 2008 at 4:01 am
Thank you very much for digging up the author of the Gold Cap bushie.
Lumpy said,
April 20, 2008 at 9:03 am
That’s good to know MBM, now when I get into an altercation with a neighbor and I’m not sure how to handle it, I can just pray to Saint Mister Rogers and he’ll guide me.
I remember watching that as a kid. Do you remember the little cat character on the other side of the trolly, he’d go visit her home (( Meow meow Henrietta Pussycat)) and she’d talk like, “Hi Mr. Meow-meow Rogers, how are meow-meow you?” Sometimes, I still talk like that cat! … Just because I can. FANTASTIC POST lady!
kaylee said,
April 20, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Thank you for that!
bosquechica said,
April 20, 2008 at 7:58 pm
I miss Mr. Rogers. Let’s all be Like Him. What Would Mr. Rogers Do?
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 20, 2008 at 9:17 pm
@ Alyson: I LOVE the idea of a postal carrier walking around singing that song! It’s perfect. I picture chirping birdies and happy children playing in their yards as you walk by. You made me feel better about my Saturday night. Thanks!
@ cantueso: You’re welcome!
@ Lumpy: Yes, simply pray, and the spirit of Saint Mister Rogers will wash over you, calm you both down, and soon you’ll be laughing and drinking lemonade together.
Meow meow loves Henrietta Pussycat, but I love it even more that you talk like her!!! It was so great watching that video and seeing Mr. Rogers do all of those voices. It was a little surreal.
@ kaylee: You’re welcome! I miss you! Looked for you last night and tonight, but once again, my timing must be off. Hope to talk to you this week, and I hope you’re okay. Are you going to make it to the game tomorrow?????????
@ bosquechica: I miss him too. I used to think that it would be so great to have “W.W.M.R.D.?” bracelets made up— in fact, I still do!
QuakerDave said,
April 20, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I raised two boys on Fred Rogers, and I think they’re better young men for it. I was not ashamed to cry the day he passed. The world is a darker place without him.
And the real shame of it is that there’s been no one out there to even remotely take his place. Especially these days when our kids – especially our boys – need his gentleness and empathy the most.
Your comment reminded me of this song. I wish I could find a better version of it for you, but I thought you might like it.
While I was watching the documentary, I was thinking exactly what you wrote here. I can think of no public figure with Mister Rogers’ kindness, genuineness or gentleness. I know that there must be people similar to him in the world (at least that’s my hope), I just wish they’d come to the forefront.
joanharvest said,
April 22, 2008 at 12:22 am
My daughter loved Mr. Rogers. She especially loved “Make Believe Land” He was on right before supper so Mr. Rogers kept the kids quiet while I cooked. Actually, my daughter and I were talking about him just recently. I think if they showed reruns she’d watch them.
Old Iron said,
April 23, 2008 at 4:36 am
I watched it as a kid. One of the biggest contrasts between his show and the current children’s programming out there is that Mr. Rogers was not a complete SPAZ.
With his passing a golden time for TV passed with him.
Moonbeam McQueen said,
April 24, 2008 at 6:32 pm
@ Joan: I may have enjoyed Mister R more than my kids did! I still watch reruns from time to time, when I can catch them.
@ Old Iron: I completely agree.
Bradley said,
May 3, 2008 at 11:29 pm
I use to live near Pittsburgh and would occasionally see Fred Rogers here and there. I know a lot of adults don’t like him but I found him a warm and loving man. He was exactly as he appeared on the show.
Thank you for taking me back.
Moonbeam McQueen said,
May 4, 2008 at 9:52 am
@ Bradley: How lucky you were to have seen him! He always seemed so genuinely kind, and I’m glad you confirmed that. I wish he were still around.