Holiday Greetings--Our Wish for You

December 2016

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I received a holiday card the other day that said “From our family to your, we wish you … joy!” At first I was taken by the image on the card which was very funny; the person who created the card is a brilliant artist. But then I was struck by “we wish you joy.” That small three letter word conveys so much more than happy, merry, and healthy.

Merriam- Webster defines it as:

the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: Delight
the expression or exhibition of such emotion: Gaiety
a state of happiness or felicity: Bliss
a source or cause of delight.

Thank you, John, for wishing my family joy and for reminding me what a wonderful and important word it is.

On behalf of the Fred Rogers Center, we wish you joy in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Rick Fernandes

IN THE ARCHIVE

Finding Joy in the Archive

Did you know that Fred Rogers enjoyed Robert Frost’s poetry? I was reminded of this when I searched through the Archive for the word “joy.” I found a quote that is appropriate for the end of the year and the beginning of winter. Inspired by Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” Fred wrote, “My hope for all of us is that ‘the miles we go before we sleep’ will be filled with all the feelings that come from deep caring—delight, sadness, joy, wisdom.” Fred encouraged us to live actively and allow ourselves to experience a full range of emotions. Have you felt sadness and joy this year? Have you gained wisdom in 2016? May you have plenty time to reflect on your year and prepare for your journey through 2017.

NEW ON THE BLOG

I Wish You Gifts of Time

by Dana Winters, Ph.D.

I have always been an overly excited gift giver, taking my time to choose just the right gift. I remember when I was a young child, I’d ask my grandmother (affectionately named Mim by her six grandchildren) what she wanted for Christmas. She always gave me the same answer: “Honey, all I want is your time.” Of everything in the world that she could want or need, she always asked for time. This answer confused me; how could she want time? But I never pressed her to tell me something I could buy for her. Thinking about it now, I suspect that even as a child I instinctively knew what she wanted.

As I have grown and my family has evolved, I understand her answer more and more. Day-to-day life seems to get busier and busier with work, children’s activities, social engagements, and various causes that draw our attention. I constantly complain of needing more time—but not the time that Mim requested as a Christmas present.

In My Own Words

Just as Fred Rogers understood the importance of community, we know that it takes advocates, collaborators, donors, and so many other friends, to help achieve our mission. Recently, we had a wonderful young friend visit us with his mother. Here's what she had to say about their visit. We love to welcome friends and neighbors, so if you're in the Latrobe area plan on visiting us.

Thank you so much for the unexpected and truly amazing kindness you showed to Joey. We knew we were in for a lot of excitement, but you made it over the top for him. I cannot begin to explain how much joy the book has given him. Who would think an almost six year old would probably read that book (or at least study the photos) more than any other person! He has favorite photos and loves to turn the page and find a photo of Fred laughing.

I am sure you can tell that Joey loves to laugh -- and loves to make others smile. I cannot begin to repay what joy you added to his life by being so kind!

—Shelley

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WORDS OF WISDOM

"The gifts we treasure most over the years are often small and simple..."

The gifts we treasure most over the years are often small and simple. In easy times and in tough times, what seems to matter most is the way we show those nearest us that we've been listening to their needs, to their joys, and to their challenges. — Fred Rogers

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