“A few years ago I was asked to be a part of a White House meeting about children and television. Many broadcasters from all over the country were there. 1/8

During my speech, I asked the audience to spend one minute thinking of someone who’d made a difference in the person they’d become. 2/8

As I was leaving that enormous room, I heard something from one of the military guards ehowas all dressed up in white and gold, looking like a statue. I heard him whisper, “Thanks, Mister Rogers.“ 3/8

So I went over to him and noticed his eyes were moist, and he said, “Well, sir, as I listened to you today, I started to remember my grandfather‘s brother. 4/8

I haven’t thought about him in years. I was only seven when he died, but just before that, he gave me his favorite fishing rod. I’ve just been thinking, maybe that’s why I like fishing so much and why I like to show the kids in my neighborhood all about it.“ 5/8

Well, as far as I’m concerned, the major reason for my going to Washington that day was that military guard and nourishing the memory of his great-uncle. 6/8

What marvelous mysteries were privileged to be part of! Why would that young man be assigned to guard that particular room on that particular day? 7/8

Slender threads like that weave this complex fabric of our life together.” 8/8