143, Mr. Rogers! Won’t You be my Neighbor?
What Kind of Day Would You Leave as Your Legacy?
Mr. Rogers was my safe space. He liked me just the way I was. He smiled when he came into the room. He had pets (his fish which he fed each episode). He sang and played music, and introduced us to jazz music. He knew chefs, mimes, police officers, postal workers, and even the actress that played the Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton).
He asked questions and listened to people when they answered. He assured us that it was OK to be sad. It was even OK to be mad. He took us to see the way things were made- my favorite was the Crayola crayon factory.
In my world where mothers die, fathers work and are never home, housekeepers beat children, and it was safer to be silent and not noticed; Mr. Rogers told me that he would be back when the day was new, with more ideas and things to talk about.
Mr. Rogers showed me a world where kindness was something that could be trusted to continue each day.
He told me that I made things better and good by just being myself.
And in those 60’s and later 70’s (with my siblings) and then 80’s (with my children) I tried to believe that message. I tried to hold on to the self esteem I felt for those short minutes each day. I tried to feel that good feeling he sang about, and that reassurance that he would be back.
To this day fear of abandonment haunts me.
But I could always count on Mr. Rogers.
It's such a good feeling To know you're alive. It's such a happy feeling: You're growing inside. And when you wake up ready to say, I think I'll make a snappy new day!… Mr Rogers
I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Much later I found out that Mr. Rogers lived there, too. Michael Keaton was from Pittsburgh, was part of the stage crew for the show, and also performed in some episodes. In high school I found out that a classmate, Walter, had been featured on an episode.
Within the past few years I learned that another classmate’s father was Mime Walker! I was fascinated when he was on the show, and that same gentle friendliness lives on in his daughter Jessie.
Leaving a legacy
Today, May 23, is the 143rd day of this year. In Pennsylvania it is also #143DayinPA and the start of a week of kindness. Why #143DayinPA? Because 143, to Mr. Rogers, stood for ‘I Love You’: 1 letter followed by 4 letters and the 3 letters.
He actually made it his mission to live the message and worked to maintain a weight of 143 pounds for the last 30 years of his life.
In 2019 the Pennsylvania Governor proclaimed March 23, the 143rd day (of non-Leap Year)the year to be the first statewide day of kindness in honor of the example given by Fred Rogers.
That has continued, and this year Pennsylvanians are going for a full week and hoping for a full year of kind acts.
Do something kind (need ideas? check out this random acts of kindness generator!)
Post on social media using #143DayinPA . want to stay anonymous? I understand: but find a way to make a post and use the tag so the encouraging message lets the folks in PA know that yinz* have that good feeling, too!
That is the legacy of Fred Rogers.
It can be your legacy, too.
*’yinz’ is Pittburgheese for ‘all of you’
~
I miss Pittsburgh so much that I wrote about one place you simply must visit when you are there:
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About the Creator
Judey Kalchik
It's my time to find and use my voice.
Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.
You can also find me on Medium
And please follow me on Threads, too!
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Comments (44)
Ahhh. I forgot about this one. Had a second read and enjoyed it just as much. 🤗
That is a great legacy for someone to leave, absolutely.
GREAT STORY
https://vocal.media/journal/top-5-best-wireless-bluetooth-earbuds-a-comprehensive-review
143 Day, I will remember May 23rd for this - thank you for the great story! Mr Rogers was such a kind, gentle man to be honored. Congratulations on your Top Story.
https://vocal.media/motivation/innocent-thief-mk1fv0nd4
When I read your story, I could feel the authenticity. That willingness to create and share, is to be Vocal. It is why we built the platform. Thank you for being a part of our community.
This is the absolute BEST! What an incredible idea! I love how creative you got within each of the communities. There are sooo many fantastic stories in here. I admire your dedication, Loryne! Seriously, this was superb. Thank you so much for writing and sharing these. Amazing work. 💓
I also remember Mr. Rogers...Although I was too young to piece together what he stood for, I was engaged and thought he was a cool guy with nice train sets. It's amazing how things you read can elevate your mood. Thank you.
I am guilty to say that I never saw an episode of Mr. Rogers. Yet knew all about him. That is the power of someone who made an impact. Great article Congratulations
Such a lovely sharing and insight into a time where many of us (ME) where children. That era was gold! Thank you for writing and remembering out loud.
Very Nice
https://vocal.media/humans/smoking-should-be-banned-in-public
What a deserving Top Story! ❤️ This was very heartfelt and also nostalgic for me - I have little snapshots of memories watching Mr. Rogers in the 80's and (probably more likely) the 90's. I love the gentle nudge to do something kind! ❤️ Awesome piece!🤗
Congratulations on the TS.
I'm a writer but I'm new here. My word count even after pasting over a thousand words still read zero(0) any help?
Congratulations on Top Story! What a seamless blend of history, a call to action, and deep personal truths. I loved Mr. Rogers and all that he represented. He was a staple for me as well. I loved that he was happy to see me too. Thank you for sharing :)
Mr Rogers was a well loved part of my childhood. Congrats on the Ts. Now I need to go do something kind.
"143, Mr. Rogers! Legacy in Kindness: What Day Will You Leave Behind?"
Love this, Judey. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful soul. Congrats on the Top Story.
Oh my......I love this story❤️ Read mine stories also😊
Loved this so much!! Love *him* so much!! 🥰 Also, May 23rd is the anniversary of when my husband asked me to marry him, so there's a cherry on the top for us! x
I also love Mr Rogers! Congrats on Top Story and such a very good story!
143 vocal neighbor! Congratulations 🥇
Thank you so much for this tribute to the man who helped me feel valued through lonely early childhood years! I had his record albums, so I could listen to him anytime he wasn't on TV. Buying those albums was something my parents got right! I am also on Medium. I don't know why I missed this story on there!