To celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday, my son’s preschool had a “Heroes Parade.”

Kids came dressed as their favorite heroic figures: doctors, firefighters, policemen—there was even an astronaut.

My son went as Mr. Rogers.

(Albeit a casual Friday Fred Rogers because I couldn’t find his khaki pants.)

I can’t think of a bigger hero than someone whose life motto was, “I like you just the way you are.” Every day, as I send my children off into this beautiful but often brutal world, I hope they’ll meet people with that same mentality—ones who welcome them as is.

I think all parents want their children’s value to been seen. It’s why we post pictures of their artwork, instill manners, and apologize to strangers when they’re loud on an airplane. We’re on a quest to have our little angels fit in, and yet stand out for all the multitude of reasons that make them unique. We want …