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Created: March 1, 2003
Latest Update: March 1, 2003
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Backup of My Sanctuary, in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood
By Karen Shaw
SOURCE: New York Times
Copyright: New York Times Co.
Included here under Fair Use Doctrine for teaching purposes.

March 1, 2003
My Sanctuary, in Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

To the Editor:

Re "Mister Rogers, TV's Friend for Children, Is Dead at 74" (front page, Feb. 28):

What was it about a mild-mannered 74-year-old man that caused a 45-year-old woman to stop in the middle of fixing breakfast and break down in tears when the news of his death came?

Fred Rogers was never a flashy guy. "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," his long-running show for children, was as reliable and consistent as old-fashioned macaroni and cheese, and just as comforting.

My childhood was tumultuous. My mother was young and unsure of herself; spankings for myriad infractions were frequent. I lived in a world of uncertainty, never knowing when I would cross the next invisible line and be punished.

I had two sanctuaries: a maple tree with high, sturdy branches, and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." I was never afraid in his Neighborhood. I knew he would always welcome me there.

My son, who is now nearly 10, also loved the Neighborhood, and we were both sad when new installments stopped, but felt that Fred Rogers had certainly earned his retirement. Today I am certain that this gentle man, who offered so many children his simple message of compassion, has also earned his wings.

KAREN SHAW
Charlottesville, Va., Feb. 28, 2003

Copyright 2003 The New York Times Company