What's the connection? Fred and Koko were friends - and I think they had some things in common.
Gorillas are smart as a species but Koko was special. She learned at least 170 words in sign language. She touched the lives of millions of people with her communications skills and her empathy for others. When her cat friend died Koko signed "cat, cry, have-sorry, Koko love."
Even though Koko was an amazing being who was befriended by scores of humans, including Mr. Rogers and many other celebrities, she was also vilified her entire life. Thankfully, because she was a gorilla, she wasn't aware of this.
The amazing Mr. Rogers, on the other hand, because he was a human being, was well aware of being vilified his entire life. It did not stop him, however, from knowing what he felt God was calling him to do - and doing it.
For instance, On "Neighborhood" he addressed tough social issues as only he could. At the height the racial inclusion crisis blacks and whites swimming together was forbidden. Living in South Florida, I witnessed several scary incidents of what happened when this tradition was challenged. It was pretty common to see public pool officials throw harsh chemicals in a pool where blacks and whites tried swimming together. How did Mr. Rogers, address this issue? He invited mailman Mr. McFeely, to soak his feet on a hot summer day in a little tub, along side Mr. Rogers.
Oh, and don't forget that Fred Rogers singlehandedly saved public television to the tune of 20 million dollars by addressing congress in the same tone and fashion he used with his kids.
Two of the things Koko and Mr. Rogers had in common were pervasive kindness and love.
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