Beautywood

I recently received a CD of Mr. Rogers’ songs after I gave a donation to the radio station WQED in Pittsburgh. This is where it all began for Fred Rogers. Listening to WQED was a morning ritual for my father, who was a frequent supporter. He often mentioned that he was friends with the veteran broadcaster, Jim Cummingham. When she was alive, I would sometimes see Joanne Rogers, Fred’s widow, at the local gym doing her exercise in her late 80s. The Rogers family lived in my neighborhood!

I have been relistening to all these songs while I drive my car. I love Mr. Rogers’ message. I would sum it up simply as it does not matter what the outside world thinks about you. You are fine just as you are.

Mr. Rogers to this day is a local hero in Pittsburgh. After watching the documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? several years ago, I realized he was an international hero. He had an impact on millions of lives, both children and adults. Being a latchkey kid, I watched the show almost daily. Now while listening to his songs in my car, I am awakened to his depth. In his song Won’t you be my neighbor?, he sings, “It’s a neighborly day in this beautywood.” Even in his lyrics he was playful. For the first time, I began to wonder what is beautywood? In Pittsburgh, there is a theme park called “Kennywood,” another icon in the city. I feel there is something deeper with these lyrics. He is revealing his inner world to us.

The puppet Daniel Striped Tiger lived in a clock with no hands. According to Joanne Rogers, "Daniel was the real Fred." He lived in a world that cannot be seen with the body’s eyes. He lived, breathed and shared a world that all was well. For him, “it was a neighborly day for a beauty.”

In other words, the day was made to find beauty. Don’t wait, he suggested to the listeners. It is right in front of you. “I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.” Beauty is the neighbor. Can you embrace your neighbor, the beauty?