Mr. Rogers could and would stand in the fire with people who were going through tough times. That’s a great kind of friend to have.
With Love,
Russ
The Duck Who Flew Upside Down
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Rusty Bear and Thomas Too
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Clyde and Friends 3 Books in 1!
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Slices of Life
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Palpable Imaginings
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From the Heart of a Grateful Man
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Reflections of a Grateful Man
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Heart Whispers
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russtowne
Poets Corner
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
Crying is cathartic whether it is a man, woman, boy, girl…. Some are definitely uncomfortable and often parents mistakenly let their sons think they should never cry… Diane
Crying can be cathartic indeed, Diane. Thank you for commenting.
Russ
I love Mr. Rogers and his gentle buy powerful lessons.
Sadly, I only learned about his goodness and greatness after he passed.
Russ
He was a beautiful man Russ. 🙂 It’s wonderful that he left so much behind so those who didn’t know of him, may still enjoy who he was.
I just LOVE him so. One of the gentlest, gentlest souls to ever grace us.
Thank you for this, Russ.
What a beautiful way to describe him, Allison. I agree.
Russ
I sometimes wonder if what we really mean by, “Don’t cry,” is I wish I could make it all better. The last time I said those words, that’s what I meant in my heart. ❤ Of course the words were wrong.
I’ll bet the person you said it to could hear your heart and know what you meant to say.
Russ
I’m not sure I wish I had not said it because those were the last words I had with my mother.
Mr. Rogers! I haven’t seen him since I was six!!!!!
I think that’s fairly common. Oddly, I didn’t learn much about him until I was about 52!
Russ
You must have had a sad childhood!! 😀 Mr. Rogers and The Wiggles. Heck yeah.
I’m probably about the same age as Mr. Rogers was when he died, so I think it’s safe to say that he didn’t have a show on TV when I was a kid. ;-D!
Russ
😀 Well thank goodness for YouTube then!
God bless you!
I love what he said about crying. I feel the same way too. Sharing a moment with someone who is crying shows they trust you and care for you enough to reveal their vulnerabilities to you…because they know you would never intentional hurt them for doing so.
I agree, Mrs. P. It can be a great compliment and show of trust.
Russ
everyone needs a friend like that
I agree, and believe you are likely to be such a friend, beth.
Russ
i really hope so, russ and thanks –
I whole heartedly agree people really do not want to hear how you are,what you need. And especially they DO NOT want to cope with your emotions. What a great world this would be if we all just took the time to care.
I respectfully disagree, my friend. There are many kind, caring, and loving people in the world. Most have limits as to how much of another’s pain they can absorb before they need a break from it. I call it “sitting in the fire” with friends. Some people have a substantial tolerance for being able to do that. Other good people have a much lower threshold. Most people can only take so much pain, complaints, suffering, and/or negativity before they must get away for a while. If a person is nearly always negative, cynical, and complaining, few people can deal with that for long.
Russ
I think what I meant got lost in the translation. I meant that the casual ” Hi how are you ” should not be answered at any great length. I know there are many good and caring people I would like to count myself as one. I am always happy to listen and try to help . But I do not think that many people like to listen for more than 5mins. I have a great line in ” Hi, fine , how are you ? “
Thank you for clarifying and your gracious reply. I agree, Willow. Most casual acquaintances don’t really want a long recital when they ask the pleasantry, “How are you?” That is what friends are for. The best friends can and will sit in the fire as long as it takes, and will at some point, attempt to help their friend move out of the fire and darkness into a place that doesn’t hurt so much.
Russ
Yes I agree!