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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Dale Rogerson
Genre: Historical/Biographical Fiction
Word Count: 100
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR
Resting his chin on his palm, Freddie pouted and stared out the window.
Fred McPheely ached for his grandson whose asthma prevented him from roughhousing outside with other children.
Sinking down beside him, Fred ruffled his namesake’s hair. “Feeling blue, kiddo?”
“Yeah, I guess so.” The boy sniffed. “Grandpa, why do neighborhood kids make fun of me?”
“Can’t say. Maybe they just need love. One thing I do know…”
***
Freddie never forgot what his grandfather said next. As Mister Rogers, he repeated it every afternoon to four generations of young television audiences across America.
“You make my day very special.”
CLICK here for a little more.
Fred Roegers – 1928-2003
Farewell to Trolley, King Friday, Queen Sarah Saturday, Officer Clemmons, Mr. McPheely. Daniel Tiger and the gang. You made us all feel very special.
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I’m not sure who Mr Rogers was. Perhaps like Worzel Gummidge to Brits of that era? Or John Noakes? But I get the idea and the tribute
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Dear Neil,
Mister Rogers graced many an American home for some 40 years. My children watched the show. His messages were simple. Now I’ll have to look up those names you mentioned that I’ve never heard of. 😉 Thank you.
I hope this video will play for you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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PS Having Googled I’d say that Mr. Rogers was closer to John Noakes. 😉
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From all accounts, he was a lovely man. I never watched his shows as I was older but I’ve read about him. Your story gives us an example of his loving family. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
My children watched the show. I remember thinking what a lame show it was. In retrospect I was very wrong. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It’s a beautiful story. Great words to pacify a kid. Thanks for the link, dear Rochelle. Shalom.
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Dear Indira,
Mister Rogers was a strong presence in many American homes for over 40 years. My kids watched the show. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks to you I came to know about Mr.Rogers.
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I’d heard of him but we never had the programme here in the UK – seems like a feelgood show for the family. And what a sweetheart, looking out for his poor grandson. I can only imagine how much of a thrill it must have been for that child to share his lovely granddad with the nation. Warm and lovely story Rochelle
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Dear Lynn,
I wondered if this one wouldn’t sail over the heads of my friends across the pond. However, I just felt the unction to write a tribute to this gentle man. I added a video clip in my reply to Neil that I hope will play over there. Sometimes youtube videos from the overseas won’t play here…I only just learned about his grandfather’s influence and that’s where my head went for this prompt. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My pleasure Rochelle
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Is this the Kiing Friday Fictioneers?
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🙂
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Like Lynn, I know of this guy only by name.
Cool story, it isn’t easy being different, especially for a child.
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Dear CE,
I rather figured that this American staple might not have made it across the pond. At any rate, thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You tell the story so clearly, Rochelle, that we don’t need to know who he was. A lovely, humane tale.
Shalom
Penny
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Dear Penny,
You’ve put my mind at ease. I knew when I posted this one that it might go over the heads as far as recognizing him. He was a unique and gentle individual who spoke into the lives of countless American children over a span of 40 years. Thank you so much for your dear comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We need Mr. Rodgers now more than ever… Great story, as usual.
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Dear Trent,
I wonder what he’d say, given the present conditions?
Thank you re my story. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’ve heard about him. Awesome piece. The last line made my day
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Dear Shivam,
Your comment makes my day. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah, you know what this man means to me since you have been party to my recent Facebook posts. Fred Rogers and my grandmother were the only two adults I could trust when I was growing up. Well done.
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Dear Josh,
I almost tagged you on FB because of your posts. 😉 I figured you’d be by so I didn’t. Where are the helpers when we need them? Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I must confess i an unaware of who this Mr. Roger is but his story and the way you wrote it came alive very beautifully. As usual you are the guiding light that illuminates out path.
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Dear Neel,
I’m happy that you were able to appreciate our American icon through my story. Your shining words make me smile. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This was a nice way to introduce Mr. Rogers to many who have never heard of him. He was part of MY growing up (well, age-wise). I am glad he is being celebrated with the new documentary on him. It’s next on my list of movies to see. Thanks.
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Dear Stu,
He was like the comfortable pair of shoes. Always there. My kids loved the show and each watched it when they were small. I really want to see the documentary. The trailers are what inspired me to write my own tribute. (As you can see by my banner at the top of the page, I refuse to grow up, too. 😉 )
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Apparently Tom Hanks is going to play Mr Rogers in a new film – it sounds like something I would expect Tom Hanks to say as well!
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Dear Iain,
The only film I’ve heard of is the Fred Rogers Tribute documentary. (see trailer in my reply to Neil.) Why not Tom Hanks. He’s already played Walt Disney, after all. 😉 Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not being aware of Mr Rogers was of little importance when reading your delightful tale Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
What a lovely and affirming thing to say. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That would explain why as a child I thought his smile was fake.
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?
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Oh, I miss Mr. Rogers. We need him now more than ever!
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Ain’t that the truth, Kat? Thank you for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes it is! My pleasure Rochelle.
~peace
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A great story from gentler times? I did not know of Mr Rodgers; fortunately we had children’s hour on the radio.
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Dear Michael,
I don’t know if the times were so much gentler as was the man. The voice of calm in the midst the world turmoil. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Though I didn’t grow up watching him, I’ve come to adore Mr. Rogers when I came across his shows as a young adult. His messages only got more profound with time. I wish more leaders had listened to him. I certainly wish this current one did …
Thank you for this …
My entry (already posted via little blue froggy but copied here), takes the prompt to another direction. Or does it? …
Here’s to a better future and good lessons learned,
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
My children grew up watching Mr. Rogers. At the time I thought his show was a little lame, but it was still hard not to be drawn in. His messages were simple, yet full of depth and truth and his characters were sweet. Not Sesame Street, but endearing and important nonetheless. Todah rabbah.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wow, had never heard of him. He sure seems to be someone special 🙂
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Dear Anurag,
He was someone special to so many American children, my own included. 🙂 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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grandparents are special people. they fill gaps that might have remained open.
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Dear Plaridel,
Apparently Fred Rogers’ grandfather was definitely someone special for his influence reached millions of other children. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Growing up in the UK I’ve never heard of him, but he sounds like a lovely chap who brought joy and a positive message to kids across America 🙂
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Dear Ali,
I figured when I posted this story that Mr. Rogers would be a stranger to many FF’rs. Happy to introduce this gentle influential man to you. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The power of a few words! Lovely.
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Thank you so much, Claire.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This story made me say, “Aw” and “Ah” all at once. Sweet and comforting at the same time. I think it says a lot about what we all crave that his documentary is so popular. It’s on my list of movies to see. Thank you for the sweet respite.
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Dear Jan,
Your comments make me smile. Thank you for the ‘aws’ and ‘ahs’. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Never heard of Mr Rogers. But I do like his grandpa’s way of handling the situation. Clearly had an impact on him. It’s those moments in a child’s life that shape them, and in turn the world.
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Dear Fatima,
I knew when I posted this that Mr. Rogers would be a stranger to many. Happy to introduce him. Of course the point of the story is that one person can have an impact. Fred and his grandfather Fred, together impacted the lives of millions of American children. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Glad that he used the learning of his wise grandfather and made life lovely for so many.
We are loved for what we give, not receive… Better to give love!
Have a lovely week, Rochelle!
– Anita
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Dear Anita,
He was an exceptional human being. The world’s a sadder place without him. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah nostalgia. But behind that facade of caring lay a …
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From all accounts it wasn’t a facade, Patrick.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ah a sweet story! I needed this Rochelle. 😊
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Happy to oblige, Laurie. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Nice tribute to one of the first US TV personalities to speak to kids on their level but with respect and understanding. Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood is still on TV. It is the current iteration of his ideas and approach, so i wouldnt say goodbye to him just yet! I know my kid likes it!
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Dear Andrea,
He was a dear man. The more I read about him, the more I realize this. Thank you for re my tribute. My kids loved him, too.
And on another note: I tried to paste this into your post this morning. You might find it in your spam queue:
Ellen Best tried to comment and I tried to copy it. But I didn’t want you to miss a comment.
Good morning Rochelle or maybe evening where you are … I am unable to leave a comment on no. 50 under the blue frog, 4963AndyPop (an error code prevented it) so I leave my comment with you in hope that she sees it.
A stunning write, I am sure I heard the shush of the sea as I settled beside you; quietly absorbing the ambiance.
Shalom,
Rochelle (and Ellen) 😉
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Dear Rochelle,
Lovingly told and you gave us some extra insight. In Canada, he did play but we had our Mr. Dressup 😉
His voice used to annoy me because it felt too gentle and I just couldn’t listen to him. However, I think we definitely need more Mr. Rogers now more than ever.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
I have to admit that my thoughts were similar. Not that I minded his voice, but his show generally came on after Sesame Street or Electric Company and seemed so old fashion and backward next to those. I didn’t fully appreciate what he had to say and how he reached children like E. C. couldn’t do. I agree. We need him more than ever. Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you got til it’s gone. Thank you, my friend.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Don’t it indeed…
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Lovely story about a lovely man.
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Thank you, Linda. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Beautiful story.
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Thank you, Lisa 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So nice! 🙂
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Thank you, Sascha. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hello Rochelle, I loved the prompt picture :). I googled your character to find out more about him. Interesting!
Here’s my take on the prompt.
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Dear Piyali,
I’m glad you Googled Mr. Rogers. He was a good neighbor to us all.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A heartwarming story Rochelle, beautifully told. Good to be reminded of such positivity.
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Dear Francine,
Sadly there aren’t many like Mr. Rogers. Thank you for your kind words. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Margot Liberty W(T)F,
Looks like you’re into your second childhood already. Is Oscar the Grouch going to abandon his trash can and move into the invisible box? What’s next, an expose on Miss Piggy?
There’s no doubt Fred was good man. He touched millions of lives in a positive way.
Think I’ll hang up my sweater now,
Bubba Biscuit Boy
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My dear Bubba Biscuit Boy,
One has to have finished with their first childhood to be into the second. 😉 Oh..an expose on Miss Piggy? I’ll have to look into that. Haaaaaaay Yah!
Don’t forget to change out of your tennis shoes.
Thank you for being my neighbor.
Shalom,
Margot Liberty W(T)F
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Such a beautiful and uplifting story. That was one granddad we all the to thanks for such loving and positive words.
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Dear Sarah Ann,
I wonder if Mr. McPheely had any idea how far reaching his influence would be? And we are all grateful. Thank you for your sweet words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A beautiful story with a touch of nostalgia. lovely Rochelle. My take on the prompt, https://syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/2018/07/20/sun-is-fun/
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Many thanks, Deepa. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This sounds as if you listened faithfully to Mr Rogers.
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Actually, Liz, my kids watched Mr. Rogers. I was an innocent bystander and better for it. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A very uplifting tale and I enjoyed the video too. Thank you
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Rochelle, thanks so much for this. I didn’t know Mr Rogers but I loved the video. He actually reminds me of the actor who plays Sheldon in “Big Bang Theory” and I mean that very positively because that actor has a really infectious smile like the gentleman here. How lovely that he got that inspiration from his loving grandfather. Best wishes, Jilly.
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Dear Jilly,
I’m not sure I see the similarities between Mr. Rogers and Jim Parsons. I love TBBT though. They do share an infectious smile. 😉 Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle I join in tonight with my take on the picture under the blue frog. Happy weekend.
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My pleasure, Ellen. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good morning Rochelle or maybe evening where you are … I am unable to leave a comment on no. 50 under the blue frog, 4963AndyPop (an error code prevented it) so I leave my comment with you in hope that she sees it.
A stunning write, I am sure I heard the shush of the sea as I settled beside you; quietly absorbing the ambience.
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I never really watched Mr. Rogers either but his good will went beyond his show and so you didn’t have to watch to benefit. That’s the message your story tells. We can all still benefit from the legend.
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Dear Dawn,
Sending you hugs. You’re assessment is spot on! Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I WAS UNABLE TO POST UNDER THIS LAST WEEK.
BUT I HAD SOME FUN AND HAD TONS OF EMOTION FROM THIS ACTIVITY.
https://papaknowsonline.wordpress.com/2018/07/20/the-last-sunset/
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HI ANTHONY,
I’M GLAD THE ACTIVITY OF WRITING IS AN EMOTIONAL OUTLET FOR YOU. I’M ALSO HAPPY YOU WERE ABLE TO POST THIS WEEK.
2THINGS…Internet etiquette…is that when you type in all caps it’s considered SHOUTING so I hope you’ll keep this in mind when posting. It is a little jarring on the eyes as well.
The second thing…I hope that you read my stories and liked them. Part of the beauty of blog challenges is give and take. I think that’s why Friday Fictioneers has lasted these past 8 years or so. Reciprocation.
Thank you and shalom,
Rochelle
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Also FYI…the link is open from Wednesday to the following Tuesday. My guess is that you tried to link after the turn off.
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Thank you for the feedback Rochelle. I will continue to post as well as read and interact with your blogs every week as I love reading them. I Look forward to the next Friday fictioneer! Thank you
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Rochelle,
Oh Rochelle, how very much perfect. I know this post is from back a ways, but Dale sent it to me after I wouldn’t stop gushing about the Fred Rogers documentary I watched on Prime. And how thankful to read this. Because it’s so true, all of it.
Fred Rogers was a special human being the likes of which this world would never be able to repay in kind. Because his contributions were so vast and far reaching. He saved PBS, he raised a generation of kids and taught them that doing the right thing wasn’t ‘square’. He touched the lives of adults, those close to him and those who came to know him, and he left us all the better.
I had to watch the video before commenting. I still know the words by heart.
What a special man, and what a special post. Thank you.
Shalom,
Marco
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Dear Marco,
I saw the film at the theater with a friend last Summer. I never realized what a treasure he truly was. Thank you for jumping on the ‘wayback machine” and reading this. And…thank you for the very special comment to boot. It’s such a good feeling and you made me feel happy inside. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I wasn’t aware of just how much good he did until I watched this. That scene where he went before Congress? WOW!
I learned how to tie my shoes thanks to Mr Rogers. And I also credit my love for sweater jackets to him. 🙂
Shalom,
Marco
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