Sometimes, we hear about ordinary people doing amazing things that remind us how kind and caring the world can be.
This touching story was shared on Facebook a few years ago, but it still warms my heart every time I see it. That’s why I want to share it with you.
It’s about a dad who shared a moment when a girl walked into his office and asked if she could ask his autistic son an important question.
Children with special needs often want the same experiences as other kids their age. For a 17-year-old, finding a date for a school dance is a big deal. Being turned down can hurt their confidence, and going alone might feel like social failure, even if it’s not such a big thing in the long run.
Some kids, especially those with special needs like autism, can be more sensitive and may not fully understand everything happening around them. This makes moments like these even more meaningful.
Update: I’m sharing this story again to celebrate its journey over the past six years. Last week, it surpassed 1 million shares! I’ve received so many messages since the original post on April 27, 2013, and it’s heartwarming to see how much it has touched people.
Before asking Jon to the prom, Maddi wanted to make sure it was okay with his dad first.
“It was a truly breathtaking moment for me,” Mike Larson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Why Mike shared the story:
Mike explained that he posted the prom photo for three main reasons:
The photo went viral after it was first shared in 2013. Over the years, Mike has kept people updated on Jon and Maddi’s lives.
In 2019, he celebrated the milestone of 1 million shares, saying, “Many people have asked how Jon is doing. He’s well, happy, and still living at home.”
He also shared an update about Maddi, who is now married. Mike mentioned that Maddi sometimes feels shy about all the attention, as she didn’t see what she did as anything extraordinary. Mike closed his update by thanking everyone who had sent their best wishes.
When Jon was diagnosed with autism over 16 years ago, Mike had imagined many scenarios about his son’s future. One of those fears was that Jon might never get to experience a prom. But thanks to Maddi, not only did Jon attend prom, but he had an unforgettable night.
“It’s something I never thought would happen for our family,” Mike said. “And not only did it happen, but it happened in such a beautiful way. To see it inspire and bless others is beyond anything I ever imagined. It will always be one of our family’s most cherished memories.”
Stories like this remind us that there are kind and thoughtful people in the world who spread hope and joy to others. If this story moved you, consider following Mike’s request to share it with your loved ones.
Maddi’s thoughtfulness—asking Jon’s parents first and going the extra mile to make the night special—is a shining example of kindness. We hope they captured plenty of photos to remember that wonderful evening!