In February,

Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood passed away at age 74 after losing

a battle with cancer. Mr. Rogers has always been one of my heroes.

He was an unlikely

idol - meek, unassuming, and certainly not apowerful presence. He wasn't

a media hound and rarely found himself in the news, but whenever he was

asked, he shared his humble opinion about children, families, television,

and life. He was one of television's most gentle, innovative, and committed

men to the betterment and education of our children.

I didn't watch

Mr. Rogers when I was a child, but I clearly recall the first time I ever

saw his program. I was a graduate student working on my Ph.D. in psychology

and I came across Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood while watching TV one day.

I had heard of Mr. Rogers, of course, and because of my interest in children

and children's programming, I decided to watch for a few minutes.

He pulled on

his familiar sweater (knitted by his wife) and slipped on his tennis shoes

as the show began and then he sauntered to the fish tank where he fed

the fish. For several minutes he watched the fish and talked to the viewer

about fish, caring for animals, and life. I was amazed that such a simple

program could be so captivating.

Mr. Rogers

broke the modern rules for children's television. He never resorted to

computer imagery, fancy scene changes or complicated sets. His program

consisted of simple puppets, props, models, and guest stars that joined

his mild-mannered crew each week.

When he began

his show in 1963, it was a low-budget production and there were no computers

for fancy technical changes. Over time, as children's television changed,

relying heavily on action, big productions, fancy costuming, and elaborate

puppets, Mr. Rogers chose to remain the same.

He wasn't stuck

in a rut, though, as some might have alleged. Instead, he was innovative.

He knew he could produce a show that was of exceptional quality for the

age group to which he focused without relying on loud noise or fancy effects.

His purpose was more than keeping a child's attention. His primary purpose

was to teach. Anyone could create a children's program or cartoon by changing

scenes every few seconds, relying on special effects, bright colors and

noise.

I am often

exasperated at the drivel that passes as entertainment for children. Unlike

those cheap and visionless programs, Mr. Rogers used skill, thoughtful

skits, simple songs, and captivating dialogue to maintain hisaudience's

attention. It takes far more talent to entertain children in this format.

I respect Mr.

Rogers because he presented himself and his characters in away that demonstrated

that it was acceptable to be gentle and kind, to use good manners, and

to be patient. I respect Mr. Rogers because he was never touched by scandal

and he never stooped to the level of his near-sighted critics who made

fun of his low-tech programming He had a vision and he quietly laughed

off the critical comments of his detractors. Deep inside he knew who he

was and what his vision was. No critic could sway him from his focus.

The world is

now a lesser place because of his passing. I doubt there will ever be

another man like Fred Rogers and I'm quite certain nobody will everbe

able to pull off the genius of a program like he did with Mr. Rogers'

Neighborhood. It was the longest running show in PBS history, taping its

last program in September 2001. What a legacy.

Mr. Rogers

once said he never thought of himself as a TV star. "I always thought

of myself as a neighbor who came to visit," he said. This was indicative

of his character.

Farewell, neighbor.

You will be deeply missed.

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