My Cheerleaders

Something has been on my mind a lot lately.

As most people in my life know, I am a big fan of Mister Rogers. I admire everything he stood for—kindness, helping others, and truly seeing the good in people.

So in this first month of 2026, when I’m missing my dad a little extra, this quote keeps coming to mind:

“All of us have special ones who have loved us into being. Would you just take ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are… ten seconds of silence.”

Mister Rogers shared these words during his 1997 Emmy Award acceptance speech.
The quote was later featured in the film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood—one of my favorite scenes.

I can’t help but think of my dad when this quote plays in my head.

Along with my mom, he was always there cheering me on in life. Sometimes he had to cheer from afar while working long hours at his restaurant, but he always made sure I knew how much he cared.

Later, during his illness and health decline, he wasn’t able to do the things he wanted to do. Instead, he would ask my older brothers to make sure I had a cake on my birthday. He’d also give my mom extra money so she could buy gifts “from him.”

That’s just the kind of person he was.

I also think of my grandma Betty, who passed away in 2024.

She thought I was the best thing since sliced bread and called me her silver lining. No matter what I did, she cheered loudly for me.

Even as her memory faded, I would call or visit her at her assisted living to share exciting news. She might congratulate me multiple times—forgetting she had already called—but I never minded.

I felt lucky to still have her with me.

So today, I challenge you to reflect:

Who has helped shape you into the person you are today?
Who has loved you into being?

Parents.
Family.
Friends.
Mentors.

And for those of us who have lost some of our biggest cheerleaders—how can we learn to become our own?

How can we treat ourselves with the same love and kindness they once gave us?

And if you feel alone or don’t have anyone cheering you on right now, please know this:

I will cheer for you.