being special

i just watched a short clip of a time when mr. rogers was receiving an award. i'm sure he received many but he spoke about the fact that there were many who helped him get where he was. then he asked everyone in the audience to take 10 seconds and just think of some of the people who have "loved you into being" and cared about you to help you be who you are. after the 10 seconds he remarked how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they made. it was so gentle and so genuine and for those 10 brief seconds i felt so grateful for 3 dear friends in my life who loved me into being a little bit better. 

my kids got a daily dose of the heartfelt wisdom of mr. rogers and i loved his cardigans and gym shoes and 'slowness.' he gave time to let his message 'sink in' and feel good. and now at 60 when i see a picture or hear his safe voice it makes me feel grateful that i live in a beautiful neighborhood and that there is goodness to be found by helping others know they are special by just being themselves.