Reddit reviews I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers

I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers is a fantastic read. It was a soul hug for me, if you are into that sort of thing.

Geez, I'm reading this book about Mr. Rogers right now by a journalist who knew him. Mr. Rogers is like wholesomememes personified.

I'm crying about every five pages at how kind and lovely of a person he was.

There's a book called "I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers" by Tim Madigan. I think you might want to read it. https://www.amazon.com/Im-Proud-You-Friendship-Rogers/dp/1470155117

Tim was a journalist when he met Mr. Rogers in 1996. They formed a very close, meaningful friendship in the years that followed and this book is a loving tribute to Fred's kindness and wisdom. Together they discussed unbearable grief following the death of loved ones and grappling with the break up of a marriage.

Here's an excerpt from when Tim is grieving the loss of his brother, Steve.

"I told Fred about the profound absence I felt in Davenport the moment Steve died that morning.

We discussed the power and intensity of grief - anger and despair one day, gratitude the next, deep sadness the day after that.

'Sometimes, though, I feel like he's with me more now that ever," I told Fred that night.

'Maybe he is,' Fred said. 'You know, Tim, there is such a thin veil between this life and whatever comes after it."

Much of Fred's perspective on death seems to be shaped by Christianity and his deep faith in god. He shares with Tim many parables and quotes from the bible, as well as poems and letters from his own mentors. It might be helpful to you, even if you don't share his religious beliefs.

It's definitely full of real life adult tragedies and how Mr. Rogers responds to them.

I hope that helps. I'll be thinking about you.