The Best Gifts of All

By Hedda Sharapan

Here we are, at the time of year when so much of our society is focused on gifts.  Every time I hear the word gift, I’m reminded of how differently Fred used that word, and I thought you might like to read some of his thoughts about the most meaningful gifts.

Gifts that are small and simple
How many times have you noticed it's the little quiet moments in the midst of life that seem to give the rest extra-special meaning?

Here’s a gift you may not have expected…Sometimes in your day, try to turn off all the noises around you and give yourself some “quiet time."

The gift of who you are
The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.

If you like to make things out of wood, or sew, or dance, or style people’s hair, or dream up stories and act them out, or play the trumpet, or jump rope, whatever you really love to do, and you love that in front of children, that’s going to be a far more important gift than anything you could ever give them wrapped up in a box with ribbons. And what’s more: the last thing in the world you have to be is perfect at it. It’s the spirit that gives that kind of gift its wings.

The gift of caring
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.

We’re all on a journey—each one of us.  And if we can be sensitive to the person who happens to be our “neighbor,” that, to me, is the greatest challenge as well as the greatest pleasure. Because if you’re trusted, then people will allow you to share their inner garden—what greater gift!

A video gift for you
One of the best gifts Fred gave to us here on staff was the gift of his appreciation – not only for our work but especially for who we are.  He was that way with everyone.  To give you a taste of how appreciative he was, I wanted to share with you one of our favorite Neighborhood visits with world-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma.  Enjoy the music as our gift…and stay through the end to hear Fred’s words.  They weren’t scripted or rehearsed.  They were spontaneous and genuine.  Maybe you’ll come away realizing, as I have, what a good feeling it can be to give the gift of your appreciation to those whose lives you touch.

Our gifts to children
How I wish that all the children in this world could have at least one person who could embrace them and encourage them…somebody who would let them know that the outsides of people are insignificant compared with their insides…to show them that no matter what, they’ll always have somebody who believes in them.

You can be that gift to the children in your care.

Best wishes for the year ahead and thank you for your support of our work.

Hedda Sharapan
M.S. Child Development
Director of Early Childhood Initiatives 
Sharapan@fredrogers.org  

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Timeless Wisdom
From Fred Rogers

"I wish that all children could have somebody who would let them know that the outsides of people are insignificant compared with their insides…to show them that no matter what, they’ll always have somebody who believes in them." 

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