The first time I met Mr. Rogers; a story.

When I was a toddler, my mom worked for WQED. For those not in the know, that's the Pittsburgh PBS station wherein Fred filmed his program.
When I was 4 years old, my mom had to stop by the station with me in tow. 1/4

Just as my mom started to turn left into a hallway, I saw him. Real. Live. In person. Mr. Rogers. DEAD AHEAD! I did not follow my mom, but bolted to my sweater-clad hero. I wrapped myself around his legs, sitting on his feet and screamed at full volume, 2/4

MISTER ROGERS! I LOVE YOU!

My mother was mortified. But do you know what that saint of man did? He peeled me off his legs while sitting down on the floor next to me. And screamed, just as loud as I did, "AND I LOVE YOU, TOO!"

And to this day, I believe he meant it.

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Because that's who Fred Rogers was: Loving.

When he found out my mom and (then) step-dad had a quiet courthouse wedding, he threw them a shower at the station because he said every marriage should be celebrated.
He genuinely was every bit of what you saw on TV.
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