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Save Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

Kevin the Frog

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whoops, sorry about a double post! I didn't realize. I guess a little reminder to contact PBS couldn't hurt!
 

Ilikemuppets

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Yeah you're right. I'm sure The count of one of the Moderators could combine threads together or something.
 

wwfpooh

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Indeed. This thread and the other one on page two ought to be combined.
 

Yva Minstrel

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Hi everyone,

I can't say very much about what PBS is doing, but I can tell you that Mister Rogers was the same person in real life as what we saw on the screen. In 1991, when I turned 20, I wrote him a letter and sent him pictures of myself when I was little as well as what I looked like at that time. I confided a great deal about the whole getting picked on in school thing, and how his show helped me.

During the next 15 years, up until his death, he and I exchanged letters. I wrote him when my father died, and then during some of the more trying moments of my life. But, I also wrote him when I got married, and sent pictures of us. Every letter he wrote back, he always said, warmest regards to your husband. He never exchanged any words with my husband, but he always thought of him when he would write me back. It was like he became my friend, or at the very least my pen pal.

All those articles that say 'Fred Rogers was the same in person as he was on the television' is absolutely spot on. He really was. One of the most memorable, but also sad moments was when I received a letter from him on September 11, 2001. We had just returned from Paris, France, had been on a train all day and had no idea what had happened in the world. This letter was in our post box upon our return. It was a very special, but bittersweet feeling.

This man was truly an icon. He was not just my friend when I was growing up and had no self-esteem, but he remained my friend after I had become an adult. His show should be saved and replayed. The posiitivity that he emanated during his life should not be shoved aside. That would be tragic.

Last year while we were in Canada, I bought two DVDs of his show so I could show them to my husband. He found the show to be very nice, and through that single viewing, could understand why I loved it so much when I was a kid.
 

Kevin the Frog

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That is such a great story Yva. Just great...and I've heard the same accounts from others. There is a newspaper reporter / journalist who had a similar experience, but got to meet him several times, and wrote a very good book about his friendship with Mister Rogers. It's called "I'm Proud of You" and has great reviews.

I can't believe Fred had the time to write back everyone. Mr. McFeely (David Newell) is keeping that tradition going and is a wonderful man as well. Thanks for sharing!

(and please everyone contact your local PBS!)
 
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