Love Thursday: I Love Mr. Rogers

I grew up watching Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street and The Electric Company. I loved Mr. Rogers, especially, because he reminded me of my dad (thin and tall with a long, handsome face and dark hair parted on the side.) I could go on and on about all that I learned from PBS in general and Mr. Rogers specifically, but instead I'll just tell you this:

Once, about 4 years ago when I was having an awful day, I snapped on the television and started flipping through channels in an attempt to distract myself. About three channels in, I found myself eye to eye with Fred Rogers. His face took up the whole screen. He leaned forward, smiled at me and said, right. to. me. "I love you. Just the way you are." And I burst into tears. Because even when you're grown, sometimes you just really need to hear that. And for that alone I will always love him.

So, the next time that your world falls to hell, grab a blanket and a pillow and go curl up on the couch and watch Mr. Rogers. I guarantee you will feel better.

(A P.S. to any Mr. Rogers haters out there: I'd tell you just how much you suck and then beat you up, but Mr. Rogers raised me better than that.)