someone who could "hear" what people needed underneath all the shields we throw up

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood finally became available on demand in my neck of the woods and Chris and I watched it recently.  

It's really more about the reporter (Tom Junod) who wrote this article  for Esquire magazine and the relationship they had during the time he was interviewing him. I don't have any idea which parts of the movie are based in fact versus fiction, and that really isn't important. What it did was portray Fred Rogers as the most amazing listener, someone who could "hear" what people needed underneath all the shields we throw up to keep others off guard. 

Recommended. I think I have mentioned before that Ed Rogers wrote a wonderful pamphlet about talking to children about death. I like to give it to adults who are struggling with what to say, and the words to use, when talking to kids about dying. It's timeless.  Kind of like Mr. Rogers. 

Comments

[jacki long]

I love Mr. Rogers and your perfect quote, someone who could "hear" what people needed underneath all the shields we throw up. Another wise soul.

[Susan]

We are looking forward to watching this at our house. Thanks for the write-up.

[Jenny]

I wish I would have had a copy of that 2 weeks ago when my 11 year old daughter lost her beloved junior high principal suddenly. Helping her navigate that visitation was one of the most difficult things I have had to do. Watching her handle it and realize that sharing that time with all the other people who loved her and miss her was a balm for her broken heart was a good reminder that the instinct to shield our children from pain is unwise, impossible and ultimately detrimental.

[carol]

Jenny: thank you for sharing this. I agree that being with others who have been through a hard loss and sharing in that sadness, having the opportunity to let it out is so helpful.