Once upon a time, there was a man named Fred Rogers.

He lived in a special place, a neighborhood where everyone was welcome, people were kind to each other and there was no such thing as a stranger.

Everyone was made to feel important in the Fred Rogers neighborhood.

Fred constantly told children how special they are. “I like you just the way you are,” he told them.

He knew it was an important message they needed to hear.

In his TV series that ran for 31 seasons over 33 years, he gave confidence to generations of children.

Through all those years he stressed to children and adults alike that a little kindness makes a world of difference.

That timeless message is as true today as it was decades ago. Probably more so. In an age when civility is often missing and so is tolerance, kindness and caring for others can be the salve for a hurting world.

I love my little house and hope I never have to move. But I want to live in Mister Rogers’ neighborhood, the one he made come alive.

Who wouldn’t want to live in a place where kindness flourishes and people offer each other love and encouragement instead of criticism?

Just this week I was dismayed when two of my neighbors that were close friends for decades had a major falling out after differing political views. After 20 years of caring for each other, they are friends no more.

It saddens me when anyone thinks we should all think alike and there is no room for someone with different beliefs.

In his television show Fred Rogers tackled thorny issues such as intolerance and looking down at someone for any reason.

Although Rogers was an ordained minister, he never preached. In his soft, soothing voice, he brought home the message of accepting everyone in the neighborhood, regardless of color of skin or differing views.

Of course Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a fictitious place. But for 30 minutes a day through the wonders of television, it became a place as real as a child’s imagination.

How many of you watched “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” when you were a kid? Or maybe you turned on the TV show for your own children to watch.

I have to admit I never watched the show until recently when I grew intrigued after seeing two Fred Rogers documentaries. It made me want to see more of him.

Even now when I am decades past my salad days, the show lightens my heart. I can understand why it made millions of kids feel good because it certainly did that for me.

Rogers realized regardless of our age we all need to feel loved.

Way back when Fred Rogers was just the host of his simple TV show, one producer said he needed to have a public appearance so kids could see him in person.

Why would kids clamor to see his live show? He had no slapstick comedy to make them laugh and no special effects. It was just one man with a soft voice talking to kids. Would they want to see that?

They certainly did. Old television footage shows kids lined up for blocks waiting to get in to see Fred.

What drew them?

Most likely it was the same thing that still draws people like me to watch his documentaries.

We as a people are drawn to goodness. We all want to feel good and we all want to be part of something good. And after each “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” episode, kids felt good about themselves and about their world.

I just finished reading a new book by Dot Minzer where she devotes an entire chapter to the uplifting magic of Mister Rogers. She, too, believes we can re-create that magic one good deed at a time.

One person at a time, one act of kindness at a time.

Fred Rogers told his audience a good deed is something as simple as smiling at someone. Or saying something nice and encouraging to others.

Do you smile at people you encounter? I smile at strangers - the construction crew I pass each day, the lawn cutters, the delivery people, the dog walkers - everyone that crosses my path. Most return the smile.

I don’t know if a smile does anything for them but giving away all those smiles makes me feel happy. Try it.

When Fred Rogers ended production in 2001, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Arts and Science.

He gave the star-studded audience a most unusual acceptance speech. He told them to close their eyes for 10 full seconds (he timed it) and think about all those that have loved them into being … those who cared about them and made a difference by that caring.

I do that many nights as I fall asleep. It takes a lot more than 10 seconds but it never fails to fill my heart with joy and gratitude.

Although “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” stopped airing years ago, reruns can still be seen on many PBS stations. Over 305 episodes still continue to give youngsters confidence to know they are special and have worth.

Isn’t that something we all need to know?

Mister Rogers reminds us our world is beautiful and we can make it even better by planting kindness.

Kindness never gets old and never loses its ability to uplift others.

Contact Pattie Mihalik at newsgirl@comcast.net.