Man’s Twitter Story About Mr. Rogers Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes

Feeling heartbroken about the tragic news from Manchester, England, Entertainment Weekly writer Anthony Breznican noticed many people tweeting the iconic Mr. Rogers quote, “My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”

Inspired by the quote, Breznican decided to share a personal story about Mr. Rogers as an example of the compassion the world needs. Tweeting the story in 29 parts, Breznican later wrote out the event in more detail for Entertainment Weekly.

Breznican says that while he was growing up, he loved watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Years later in college, during a particularly dark part of his life, he walked by a common room where the show was playing. “It feels silly to say — it felt silly then — but I stood mesmerized. His show felt like a cool hand on a hot head. I never sat down, but I watched the whole thing. Afterward, I left feeling … better,” he writes.

Strangely, he just so happened to see Mr. Rogers himself in an elevator only a few days later. Breznican took a moment to thank him…

Opens his arms, lifting his satchel for a hug. "It's good to see you again neighbor." I got to hug Mr. Rogers, y'all! 15/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

So I just said, "Thanks for that." Mr. Rogers nodded. He paused. He undid his scarf. He motioned to the window, & sat down on the ledge. 18/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

This is what set Mr. Rogers apart. No one else would've done this. He goes, "Do you want to tell me what was upsetting you?" 19/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

So I sat. I told him my grandfather had just died. He was one of the few good things I had. I felt adrift. Brokenhearted. 20/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

I like to think I didn't go on and on, but pretty soon he was telling me about his grandfather & a boat the old man bought him as a kid. 21/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

Mr. Rogers asked how long ago Pap had died. It was a couple months. His grandfather was obviously gone decades. 22/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

He still wished the old man was here. Wished he still had the boat. You'll never stop missing the people you love, Mr. Rogers said. 23/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

Finally, I said thank you. And apologized if I made him late for an appointment. "Sometimes you're right where you need to be," he said. 27/

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

I never saw him again. But that "helper" quote? That's authentic. That's who he was. For real. 29/ pic.twitter.com/VQ6vt6Lr3c

— Anthony Breznican (@Breznican) May 23, 2017

Now, isn’t it suddenly a more beautiful day in this neighborhood?