A Simple Note of Thanks to Neighbors Near & Far
It’s a grateful day in this neighborhood.
Growing up outside of Pittsburgh, one of our local celebrities was none other than Mr. Fred Rogers. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was produced at WQED Pittsburgh and aired nationally on PBS from 1968 to 2001. The title of the show was chosen to highlight the idea of neighbors living in a community and the importance of people to each other.
I don’t know how many of you watched the show, either as a child or alongside children, but I still think fondly of the episodes where he narrated a tour of a crayon factory or welcomed guest star Margaret Hamilton (of Wicked Witch of the West fame!) to show young children that she was just a regular person who dressed up to play a role. I am also reminded that in 1997 Mr. Rogers accepted a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to children’s programming and his dedication to the well-being of generations of kids.
His acceptance speech for the award was full of gratitude, but not in the typical way one might expect. After a few moments of introduction, he asked the audience the following: “Would you just take, along with me, 10 seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life. 10 seconds of silence. I’ll watch the time.” As the 10 seconds concluded, he commented, “Whomever you’ve been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made.” He then concluded by thanking his family, friends, and colleagues for “encouraging me, and allowing me, all these years, to be your neighbor.”
With Thanksgiving almost upon us, we’re reminded of the care that good neighbors share - in the ups and downs and in all the ordinary moments in between. We want to thank you not only for supporting the farm, but also for sharing your time, joy, humor, inspiration, ideas, encouragement, wisdom, and countless other contributions and kindnesses. And thank you for welcoming us as your literal neighbors and as “neighbors” in spirit, if not always in proximity!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
