Fifteen or more years ago, in the lingerie secion of Bloomingdales (I can't make this stuff up), a fortysomething store clerk (perhaps an early-adopting "cougar") said upon inspecting my MasterCard, "Benjamin. Hmmm. That's a nice name. Like a warm sweater."The description flattered me. And it stuck with me. I remembered it just now, as I reflected upon Mister Rogers forthcoming 80th birthday and its attending celebrations. From The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
March 20 would have been the late children's TV host's 80th birthday, and Family Communications Inc. is urging everyone -- not just in Pittsburgh, but all over the world -- to wear a favorite sweater that day in honor of Fred Rogers' legacy. Family Communications is the production company behind the long-running "Mister Rogers" public TV series.
Mister Rogers said he wore a sweater “to make it seem like a comfortable time. It’s a symbol of staying a while, of settling down for some quiet time together.”
Of course, Mister Rogers' Grandmother McFeely sewed each one for him. One (which Chris and I vistited in August, 2006) hangs in The Smithsonian today.
I'm not sure that Bloomingdales clerk was prescient or not. That is, I don't know if I am anything like a warm sweater. I hope so. I certainly aspire to being warm and approachable. Mister Rogers certainly was, in spades. He was the epitome of warm and approachable. It takes great courage, I think, to be that way.
Madelaine D'Engle said, "Rightousness begins to reveal itself as that strength which is so secure that it can show itself as gentleness."
Most days this time of year, I wear a cardigan over my dress shirt but under my sport coat. And most days, I think, I exhibit some warmth. Regardless the weather come March 20th, I plan on both in remembrance of the man who has helped me become more of a man myself.
3 comments:
Thanks for the L'Engle quote. Needed it in times of struggle. Some people do evoke that fuzzy sweater feel, you can see it in the eyes. Be well, Martine
I took comfort in the ritual as much as the sweaters. The playful way he would zip the sweater in time to the music. I still think of him when I get home from work and trade the slacks and heels for the sweatpants and slippers. I'll be wearing a cardigan on the 20th and feel Fred's hug!
A friend forwarded me your website after I wrote a blog about re-discovering Mr. Rogers as an adult, and learning about what a truly amazing individual he was. I am in awe of this man. I simply don't know any other way to put it.
In conversations with other friends since posting that blog, I've found that my friends feel the same way.
I can't wait for your documentary - I just know it's going to be a smash success.
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