Waypoints: 30 Days of Gratitude
This month, Moteventure turns its compass toward the quiet power of thankfulness. Waypoints: 30 Days of Gratitude is a daily storytelling journey through resilience, grace, and the moments that anchor us. Each post will be a marker — a pause along the path — where gratitude reveals itself in unexpected ways. From small gestures to life-altering kindness, these stories invite reflection, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the light we find (and share) along the way.
Every path has its waypoints. If gratitude lit yours, leave a note beneath this post.
The Note from Mr. Rogers
In the late 1990s, a young stagehand named David was working behind the scenes at a PBS affiliate in Pittsburgh. He was new to the job, nervous, and unsure if he belonged in the world of television. One afternoon, he was asked to help set up for a taping of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
David had grown up watching the show. But meeting Fred Rogers in person was something else entirely. Rogers greeted every crew member by name, asked about their families, and thanked them — not just once, but repeatedly, with sincerity that felt almost surreal.
Featuring 4 new tracks: Emberwake, Flat Tire, What If You’re Wrong, and the heartwarming holiday single Home For Christmas.
After the taping, David was cleaning up when he noticed a folded piece of paper tucked under his clipboard. It was a handwritten note.
“You make this neighborhood better just by being you. Thank you for your kindness today.”
— Fred
David was stunned. He hadn’t done anything special — just moved cables and held a boom mic. But that note stayed with him. He kept it in his wallet for years. Whenever he doubted himself, he’d read it.
Years later, David became a producer. He still had the note. And when asked in an interview what shaped his approach to leadership, he didn’t mention a textbook or a mentor. He mentioned Fred Rogers.
The note wasn’t grand. It wasn’t public. But it was personal. And it reminded David — and now thousands who’ve heard the story — that gratitude isn’t about scale. It’s about intention.
Fred Rogers didn’t just teach kindness. He practiced it, one quiet note at a time.
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