We went to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood yesterday afternoon. It was perfect. In a time when the world seems loud and angry it was a respite.
Some thoughts as I watched the movie I’ve carried with me into a new day.
I wish I was more like Mr. Rogers. He had a way of making every person he came into contact with feel valued and important. He really listened. “I like you just the way you are.” Remember those gentle words? Me too. I’m not as good at doing that as I wish I was. I need to practice more.
I wish I had a Mr. Rogers in my life. I’m a natural introvert. Over the years I’ve come to embrace and treasure my quiet tendencies. I’m a fairly good listener. But, you know, sometimes I hunger for someone to look into my eyes and say “tell me how you feel about that” and then listen while I pour out some of what hurts.
Remember the people who loved me into being. I grew up in a small family; we kept to ourselves. My family wasn’t gifted with longevity and none remained with me for the long haul. When I think of precious ones who poured into my life, the roster isn’t a long one and memories are hazy. In recent years I’ve come to a place of honouring the first person who loved me into being: my birth mom. It’s taken a long time.
I recommend seeing this movie. We can all use some Mr. Rogers.
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On another note, my manuscript is with my developmental editor! There’s still lots of work ahead to birth this book but it feels great to have achieved this milestone. Presences of Absences: A story about living busy, broken and beloved. Coming in 2020.
I’m looking forward to seeing this movie too Loved the documentary a few yrs ago. He’s like one of the few famous ppl who has never gotten himself in trouble, which is amazing. I saw JUDY yesterday. Sad but very well done. It’s Oscar-worthy as I am sure Mr. Rogers is.
Ah, JUDY. That’s another I’ve had on my radar. I hope you get a chance to see the Mr. Rogers one. I think you’ll like it.
I can hardly wait to see this movie. I’ve heard only good things about it. If I were to sit down and have a cup of tea with you, I would ask you, “How do you feel about that?” My daughter is an introvert and one of the most creative people I’ve ever known.
Thank you so much for stopping by, Anne. How delightful it would be to sit down for tea with you. I think we’d find much to talk about. 🙂
Linda, thanks for sharing your thoughts on A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. I can still hear Mr. Rogers coming on in the afternoons when my son was so in love with every character on the program. Fred Rogers is an example we should all follow. BTW, I understand the part about being an introvert. I can hide it if I want/need to, but as soon as I’m “free to be me,” back to my solitude.
And congratulations on getting your manuscript out to the developmental editor! A big step indeed.
Sherrey, I also have many fond memories of Mr. Rogers when my kids were small. It came on around the time I was starting to make dinner–perfect! The quiet program entertained my children while I worked in the kitchen. Sometimes, I watched with them and appreciated the calm at the end of another busy day. I think I’d be tempted to watch it even now on occasion if I had the opportunity. Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow!