I love this man. For so many reasons. He was honest, true, kind, and believed that "feelings are mentionable and manageable".
Several years ago, I was talked into doing a triathalon. I figured I could walk, if not run the three miles, biking for twelve miles could happen- slowly, but the swimming...the swimming, half a mile in open water. I knew basics, floating, not drowning, but needed some refresher lessons on building stamina, strokes, breathing, and keeping my face in the water. Once that was accomplished, it was time to head out into the lake.
I grew up swimming in rivers, but that had been a long time ago. I was surprised at the fear that arose at the idea of swimming away from shore. A friend kept taking me, and I kept panicking. After another failed attempt, discouraged, I cried for two hours...."I can't do it."
The next morning, I turned on "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" for the boys.
Mr. Rogers was doing laps in a pool. He talked about that, and it went something like this...
"Do you like to swim?" (yes, Mr. Rogers.) "I do. But it can be scary sometimes. Are you scared sometimes?" (Yes! Mr. Rogers.) "You can talk to people you love about that." (ok, Mr. Rogers) "I made a promise to myself to swim everyday....even when it's hard, and I always try to keep my promises....that's my discipline." (OK, Mr. Rogers!!!)
I swam in the lake, finished the race, and the swimming was my favorite part.
Thank you, Mr. Rogers.
