Mr. Rogers, the Beloved and Missed.

--> FACEBOOK CONVERSATION <--

ML: I am looking OH SO ATTRACTIVE with tissues stuffed up my nostrils. Gotta love spring colds/allergies/whatever it is.

H: Ha! I was just wondering, sadly (C has a fire going), if I could slither up the stairs unnoticed. My puffy eyes, runny nose and blotchy skin must look so lovely. I've been crying -- reading about Mr. Rogers! Meanwhile, my kitten allergies have kicked in. I HAD to teach Miss M how to hold the sweet, furry, purring kitty! For a long time ... As Mr. Rogers would say to You, "I love you just the way you are!" -- I say it too M!

about an hour ago · 

ML: Well aren't you just sweet (as are the furry, purring kitties). But why have you been crying over Mr. Rogers?

38 minutes ago

H: Oh, I LOVE Mr. Rogers! I've been looking for something for a very special young man's 15th (!) birthday next Friday ... 

The more I read about Mr. Rogers the more I admire him. He was a man of complete integrity & humility, & unlike so many famous men, he was consistent & true his entire life. He cared passionately for children & what is Best for their positive growth; this is so sorely lacking in 2010. If K would have Mr. Rogers as a role model & not men with tricked out names like: Tiger, Jay-z or Jesse James, if he is 9/10ths like Mr. Rogers, I will die a happy mother.

When Mr. Rogers passed away K & I cried together.

I'm actually surprised at how strongly I feel for him. Just read that he showed up in Eddie Murphy's dressing room at Saturday Night Live when EM was making fun of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (with drug addicts etc.). When EM saw him, naturally he swore [great] and, naturally, Mr. Rogers hugged him.

I see a lot of Christ's example in him, the humility, intelligence, deep spirituality & love of children.

(Hey, thanks for a blog post here!)

To Ingrid re: English only.

H wrote at 10:51pm on February 21st, 2010
My father and his tribe (the lucky ones) immigrated to America just as WWII started. For them, their 1st priority was to learn English. When immigrants learn English they do so much better than if they isolate themselves in their community. I hate the narrow attitude of "English only" --believe it or not, in a design co. that specialized in TRANSLATION, a guy told us that-- but one language should be strongly encouraged for the strength of the country and the individuals. And how 'bout those crazy Americans that go to Germany and learn their language!? You are my hero, btw.

Ingrid at 11:07pm on February 21st, 2010
Awww thanks.

T is for Tin Tin!

While trying to clean up the house for ...x... a small Gingerbread get-together tomorrow night I realized that I never shared pictures of one of my favorite Halloween costumes:



That is C as Tin Tin, the intrepid adventurer and detective, missing from the picture is his faithful dog Snowy. M is looking up at Daddio wondering why he has his pants tucked into his socks... C was a little late for Halloween, going into work like this last week, but he was really cute anyway. JUST JOKING -- he wore this for Halloween. He did have a Snowy canine companion for the trick or treating part of the day.

D is for Dreams of my Dad.

Sleep doesn't always come easily...

My Pop (82 years young) broke his leg (femur) while trotting about Zermatt. Everyone is glad that he is getting the care he needs -- no cast! Lots of metal and tape however. Wonderful modern care in Visp, if you should ever need it. Also wonderful that he wasn't more seriously hurt, nevertheless, I'll keep my fingers crossed, knock on wood and say more than a few prayers, to the God that my father doesn't believe in.

Several people have called him, which has made him happy. My beautiful mother is with him and my brother is heading over there to act as return tour director/escort for the return flight. For a bad situation, it is good situation. My dad is about one of the greatest dads ever, smart, funny, thoughtful, committed. Definitely my greatest, favorite Dad. Eternally youthful, fatherhood still seems to surprise him; grandfatherhood is a treat he didn't anticipate and yet enjoys, with some distance. Did I mention he is funny? Very funny.

A short while ago I was on the phone with him. He doesn't call very often so when he does I answer. He asked me something, I responded and a lady next to me, not on the phone, who knew I was talking to my Dad, but doesn't know him, laughed! He makes everyone smile. It went something like this: Ring Ring. Hi Sweetie Pie. It's your dad. Oh Hi Dad! How's it going? Good. Did you hear the 49ers are playing the first game of the season Monday? No! I didn't realize. [A minute more chit-chat.] Hey, I gotta go. OK. I'll call you later. Do you know the number? :) Yes, I know the number! :) Big Kisses. Big Kisses Dad!

He said he has a view of the Swiss Alps that reminds him of our backyard view of Timpanogos.

I'll be riding my bike in a few minutes in the shadow of Timp.