A Beautiful Day by Mande Mae

You may have wondered about Mister Rogers at some point in your life. You may have seen an episode of his world-renowned TV hit Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Or perhaps you were curious what significance the number 143 held for Fred. From his birth in 1928 to his last day in 2003, Mister Rogers led with love, reaching his arms around the world for a virtual hug to all who watched his show. 

This one-of-a-kind man goes down in history as an overall admirable and respectable public figure who related with struggling people at their own level. He spoke to children, especially, and held a glittering sparkle in his eyes whenever he met someone new. Through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Fred was able to teach with a gentle tone on how to handle feelings, how to try new things, and most importantly, how to make every single person feel special and loved.

143 pounds. That’s what Fred weighed for the last 30 years of his life. But the number meant more to him than merely a weight. He used 143 as the number of love—1=I, 4=love, 3=you—and he often used this number as part of his emphasis to spread the greater goal of ultimate appreciation. “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people,” said Roger in an interview, representing all he stood for, clear as day. 

Who inspired Fred Rogers? Margaret McFarland had a big impact on Fred. She was a child psychologist who served as his mentor when he attended graduate classes, helping him dive into the concepts of children’s emotions. Although, above all, Jesus Christ was evidently his ultimate standard and utmost inspiration of who he wanted to be like. He was openly a Christian, with values and knowledge based on the Bible. Praying daily, swimming routinely, attending church regularly—Mister Rogers was a dedicated man, which was certainly made apparent through his accomplishments.

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired for 31 years and became the longest-running children’s series, its popularity enduring long enough for it to reach almost 200 countries. The show won multiple Daytime Emmys, was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Although it accomplished so much, Mister Rogers didn’t fail to remain humble and genuine through it all.

Rogers invited everyone, made room for everyone, loved everyone, and wanted all people to feel included in his “neighborhood.” He inspires me everyday to spread more care, to love more freely, and to make every single person feel special, no matter the weather. In Mister Rogers’ mind, everyday is a beautiful day, every person is a beautiful person, and 143 is more than just a number—it’s a decision. And it’s time we all start living like he’s right.