In an interview Mr. Roger's was asked: "When speaking, you invite people to take ten seconds to think about those people who've helped become who you are.

"What kind of reaction have you received?”

“Just wonderful. I think silence is one of the greatest gifts we have. If we just stopped it would give people a chance to think, what's going on? And maybe go deeper within themselves.”

“I started this gift of silence in a commencement speech. At one time when I was at the White House for the Conference on Children and Television, they asked me to make a presentation. The Clinton's and the Gores were there with almost all involved in children's television. At that time, I gave a whole minute of silence.”

“After that meeting was over, I was walking out and one of the military guards in white and gold came up to me and said, ‘thank you Mr. Rogers.’ I said, "for what? He said, ‘for that silence’. And I said, who did you think about? ‘I thought about my grandfather's brother, who just before he died took me to his basement and gave me his fishing pole. I hadn't thought about him in a long time. But I love fishing and I know that must have come from him.’”

 -Fred Rogers interview on television's responsibility to children

Through his instructive wisdom and loving leadership, Erie Chapman often encourages caregivers to pause to fully appreciate the deeper meaning of our experiences. Whether it is listening to music, walking in nature, gazing at an artist’s expression or sitting alongside aside someone who is suffering.  When the distractions melt away, we may discover the core essence of our encounter.

The two photos here are from different sides of the same miraculous sculpture. Memories come flooding back and some very poignant feelings along with a wave of deep gratitude to the caregivers who saved my son's life and provided such excellent, compassionate care. To truly experience the beauty of this sculpture and get a three dimensional view go to: https://benjaminvictor.com/2011/05/gallery/classical-figurative/the-heart-of-humanity/

Try taking a sacred pause today and notice how it  enriches your life experience.

Photo: The Heart of Humanity Sculpture by artist, Benjamin Victor at The Sanford Heart Institute in Sioux Falls S. Dakota,  2015.  

Reflection offered by Liz Sorensen Wessel