Mister Rogers
The other day I happened on a public TV documentary about Mister Rogers. The name was “It’s You I Like” and I thought it was awesome. I’ve had a not-so-secret crush on Michael Keaton for years and he was the host of the show, which made it even more wonderful. I read this morning that today is the 23rd anniversary of Mister Roger’s death so this is especially appropriate to post today. I have always loved Mister Rogers. Admittedly, my kids weren’t anywhere near as enthralled with him as I was. I thought he made scary things feel less scary. He wasn’t afraid to talk about anything, even death, divorce or witches. He made the world a safer place. He explained scientific things in simple terms. I wasn’t crazy about his World of Make Believe but I even admire that now since I learned he was the hands and voice behind each one of those dumb puppets. I’m not sure why he still affects me so deeply as an adult and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have that effect on everyone. I used to be embarrassed to admit how much I loved him but no more. I started to follow his Facebook page and found out his old programs are available online so I watched the very first one he ever did. One of the things he talked about was how hard it was to learn to tie shoes. It hit home thinking about that even now because that was so difficult for me. Now kids are taught with that bunny ear technique but that wasn’t around when I was a kid. People got mad at me because I was so slow learning how to tie my own shoes. That, and figuring out how to tell time on analog clocks, the only kind there were. But that’s another story. I wish Mister Rogers had been around to validate my frustration and feelings but it’s okay. I can still find his reruns online.
You know the melody. Sing along with me:
It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear,
It’s not the way you do your hair
But it’s you I like
The way you are right now,
The way down deep inside you
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys
They’re just beside you.
But it’s you I like
Every part of you.
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new
I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself
It’s you.
It’s you I like.
