Every now and then, we come across ordinary individuals who do extraordinary things, reminding us of the goodness in the world. This heartwarming post from a few years ago continues to touch hearts and minds – let’s keep its message alive. It’s about a loving father recounting the day a girl approached him to ask his autistic son to prom.
For teenagers, finding a date for a school dance is usually a priority. But for 17-year-olds with special needs, like autism, it can be disheartening when no one agrees to go with them. Going alone, while not a major concern in the grand scheme of things, can impact their self-confidence and social experience.
In this incredible story shared by Mike Larson, he documents his son Jon preparing for his high school prom and the unexpected turn of events that followed. Mike’s heartwarming Facebook post has been shared and liked by millions of people. Here’s what he wrote:
“This is my son Jon with his prom date, Maddi,” Mike captioned the prom photo. “He is a junior and he has autism. About a month ago, Maddi, a senior, came to my office (I’m a teacher at their school) and asked if Jon’s mom and I would allow her to take him to prom.”
Maddi, who had gotten to know Jon through a school club that fostered friendships between special needs kids and regular kids, believed that Jon deserved the chance to experience prom alongside his peers. Mike gladly accepted Maddi’s invitation, touched by her kindness.
Maddi went above and beyond to ensure that Jon had an unforgettable prom night. She even discovered Jon’s favorite color, orange, and wore a dress in that color. She arranged for their group, which included another couple, to have a table at the restaurant that served his favorite food – chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk.
Before asking Jon to the dance, Maddi sought permission from his father. Mike Larson described the moment as breathtaking, realizing the depth of Maddi’s thoughtfulness.
According to Mike, he shared the prom photo on social media for three reasons:
1. To show support for special kids like Jon.
2. To show support for groups that promote these friendships.
3. To remind us all, in a time when we hear about all the terrible things going on, that there are wonderful kids like Maddi working to make other’s lives better.
The prom photo went viral in 2013, and over time, Mike Larson continued to update everyone on Jon and Maddi’s lives. In 2019, he celebrated the post reaching 1 million shares and its global impact. Jon is doing well and still lives at home, while Maddi is now married and feels a bit embarrassed by all the attention. Mike ended the post by expressing his gratitude to all who wished them well.
When Jon was diagnosed with autism over 16 years ago, his father never imagined he would attend prom because of his condition. But thanks to Maddi’s kindness, not only did Jon go to prom, but he had an amazing night that created beautiful memories for their family and beyond.
“It’s something I never thought would happen for our family, and not only did it happen, but it happened in such a beautiful way,” Mike Larson said. “To have it go on and bless the lives of other people is beyond anything I ever could have hoped for. It will be one of the nicest memories of our lives.”
Stay Inspired and Share the Love
Let’s cherish the existence of kind-hearted individuals like Maddi who remind us of the hope that still exists in the world. If this heartwarming story resonates with you, feel free to share it with your loved ones. Let’s pass on this beautiful message of love, acceptance, and inclusion!
