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Thursday, May 20, 2021

Day 378 -Celebrate Fred Roger’s 143 Day of Love & Kindness with a visit to Buttermilk Falls

 

No one can deny that it has been a difficult year or should I say 2 years, with the pandemic, polarizing political climate, social justice issues and more. Pittsburgh’s beloved neighbor, Fred Rogers, shined a  continual beam of kindness through the darkest of times. He coined the 143rd day of the year as a day to spread love and kindness.

 On this 143 Day, I thought that  I would share my visit to  Buttermilk Falls Natural Area located on the former summer estate of Fred McFeely, Fred Rodger’s grandfather.  As you stroll along the tranquil path leading to the beautiful falls, you’re encouraged by his quotes which guild your walk like a warm hug.    




Reflection

 Mr. Rogers used the number 143 as a code for the words “I love you”.  This is based on the number of letters in each word: letter in “I,” 4 letters in “love,” and letters in “You” (see Day 370).   He wanted us all to remember to spread the love. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania  even designated 143 Day as a day of kindness.

 
Buttermilk Falls Nature Area is a great place to relax and channel some positive vibes. You can experience this 45 foot waterfall about 54 miles from Pittsburgh on  US rt 22 E in Indiana County. The path to the falls is an easy hike with an overlook. Taking the steps, you can venture further behind the water.

 It is said the Mr. Rodger spent many childhood summer vacations walking the grounds with his grandfather and that the area inspired parts of his television show “Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood.”  Above the falls are ruins of stone foundations from several family structures.  Walking through the park, I could visualize a young Mr. Rodgers climbing a tree that looked just like the home of   X the Owl from The Neighborhood of Make Believe.

 As I soaked in the natural beauty that day, I particularly reflected on this Mr. Rodger's quote, “Often when you think you are at the end of something, you are at the beginning of something else”.  I found solace in these words as we are all going through some change especially during these uncertain times.  Buttermilk Falls Natural Area is a  great place to relax and even celebrate 143 Day with some contemplation on spreading a little more kindness and love in  your neighborhood.    



Spiritual Reflection

Be kind and compassionate of one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

  Other Sources 

https://www.indianacountyparks.org/parks/buttermilk_falls_park/default.aspx   

 https://143day.dced.pa.gov/

 https://cindymarie-emptynest-challenge.blogspot.com/2020/05/day-370-happy-143-day-day-to-remember.html