Fred McFeely Rogers was born 82 years ago today.
Fred had many opportunities to cash in on his fame and success. He never took them; he never allowed his work to be exploited commercially in ways that might be hurtful to the children.
This bedrock honesty ran throughout the man’s life. He treated everyone with the same respect and sensitivity that he knew had helped him as a child. And his strong moral code informed every aspect of his life, from how he lived to the community he chose for his family and work, even to what he ate. Fred was a vegetarian who told people, “I don’t want to eat anything that has a mother.” He was able to integrate all his interests and aptitudes – his music, his writing, his creativity, his faith, his sense of family and community, and his sense of service – all into a coherent whole that gave a special power to his life and his influence. Fred was careful not to use that influence carelessly or too often. He did not often endorse viewpoints or tell others how to live. Instead he led – as the best leaders do – through example.
Almost 40 years ago NewMexiKen (I was just Ken then) wrote Mr. Rogers a letter. I thought the way two elderly characters were portrayed on the show was silly, especially the old messenger Mr. McFeely (McFeely you will note was Rogers’s middle name).
I received back this five paragraph letter, apparently from Fred Rogers himself (and oddly not dated). The man took the time to respond to my criticism in a thoughtful way that — at least it seems to me — showed the type of class he evidenced in everything he ever did. Read for yourself his reply. Click each image for larger version.
Mr. Rogers died in 2003.
[I’ve grown less protective of my name since I scanned the above, but I’m not going to bother rescanning the letter. I’ve mostly kept my surname private to protect certain Sweeties.]