It’s Friday, the end of the work week for some, but not if you’re a parent. The work continues for parents, but so do the joys–the subject of this post.
In the last post, I shared something Amy Hollingsworth included in her book, The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers, about Rogers’ clear remembrance of joys and feelings from his childhood.
One particular memory of Fred Rogers was when he was a five-year-old little fellow who would frequently visit his elderly neighbor known as ‘Mama Bell.’ As a youngster searching for yummy snacks, he knew he would always find something tasty at Mama Bell’s, an elderly neighbor. One of his favorite snacks she served was ‘toast sticks.’ One day she asked if he would like to make them on his own. He was excited by the thought of it. Hollingsworth writes, “Imagine his delight at being able to master what seemed like a grown-up task, as well as his pride at being entrusted with Mama Bell’s speciality.”
Shortly after this opportunity for “Freddy,” (as Mama Bell called him) to learn each step in making toast sticks by toasting the bread, spreading the butter, slicing the toast, and finally adding a dollop of jam–Mama Bell then became sick and died. Hollingsworth states, “Toast sticks may seem like a simple legacy, but they had a profound effect upon a young boy.”
Where Mama Bell entrusted this gift of toast sticks to Fred which would comfort him and remind him of their unique friendship long after she was gone, Mister Rogers has left us the gift of toast sticks, but of a different nature. He has left us “toast sticks for the heart, for the eyes, and for the hands,” says Hollingsworth. “Sustenance is to be shared. Everyone can pass on what he or she has been given by another.”
When I think about my goals as I teach my children in our homeschool and about what teaching ought to be in general, I consider what I have been given and what I am passing on to others. It’s a beautiful responsibility, and one of depth and meaning. This is what sparks my passion as I guide my children in a meaningful journey of learning.
Well, this wraps up the post for the day and also my notes on the introduction portion of The Simple Faith of Mister Rogers. I hope you have learned more about “Freddy” Rogers. I also hope you’ll check back next week for what he demonstrated and communicated to his young audience for nearly thirty years: his toast sticks for the heart-how we see others; for the eyes-how we treat others; and for the hands-what we’ve learned practically, with our hands.
From a girl who loves toast! ~Hosanna
[The link for the book in this post is an affiliate link.]