Occasionally, common individuals accomplish exceptional deeds that renew our faith in humanity.
Why not share this heartfelt letter that was posted on Facebook a few years ago? It still makes me cry every time I see it.
The story revolves around a father who remembers the day a woman stormed into his office demanding to speak with him about his autistic child.
Special needs children often want the same experiences as other kids their age. Any 17-year-old’s first objective is to find a date for the school dance, so it could be very damaging to their self-esteem if no one else agrees to go with them.
While it may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, going alone can be a social disaster for an adolescent; hence, not finding a companion might pose a serious risk to one’s self-esteem.
Some children are overly sensitive and don’t have the skills to understand everything; this is particularly true for kids with special needs, like autism.
The dad in this tale, Mike Larson, made the decision to record the events that happened as his autistic son, Jon, got ready for his high school prom. Millions of people have now read and enjoyed the full story that he posted on Facebook. Continue reading!
Mike said in the caption of his prom photo, “This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi.” “He has autism and is a junior.” About a month ago, Maddi, a senior who attends the school where I teach, asked if Jon’s parents and I would allow her to take him to prom.
Update: In honor of this post’s sixth anniversary, I’m reposting. Last week, it crossed the one million share mark. I’ve been given…
On Saturday, April 27, 2013, Mike Larson
“Maddi had gotten to know Jon through a school club that promotes friendships between special needs kids and regular kids,” Mike continued his explanation.She went on, “He’s a junior, so this is also his prom.” Simply said, I believe he ought to be given the chance to go. I informed her that we would be delighted to have him go with her.
Maddi wanted Jon to have the best prom night of his life, which is why she decided to go with him. After doing some research, she found that orange is Jon’s favorite color, so she bought a clothing in that shade. She also made reservations at a restaurant that supplied his favorite foods—chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk—for their celebration table, which they shared with another couple.
Maddi was hesitant to ask Jon to the dance until she had checked with his father.
According to Mike Larson, “It was a pretty breathtaking moment.” He told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike gave an explanation for why he shared the prom picture on social media.
“To show support for organizations that foster these friendships.” 3. “To show support for special kids like Jon.”3. “to serve as a reminder to everyone that, despite everything that is going wrong, there are kind young people like Maddi who are working to improve the lives of others.”
Following the first sharing of the viral prom photo in 2013, Mike Larson continues to publish updates on the couple’s post-prom life.
On Sunday, April 28, 2013, Mike Larson
He commemorated the one millionth post sharing and the worldwide reach of his material in 2019. “Many have wondered how Jon is doing,” he added, adding an update on everyone’s well-being. He’s still at home and is doing OK.
Additionally, Mike stated that Maddi, who is now married, occasionally gets “embarrassed” by the attention and doesn’t think it’s a good thing. “I express my gratitude to all those who have sent well wishes to them,” Mike concluded the message.
When Jon’s father was given the diagnosis of autism more than sixteen years ago, he thought of a lot of possibilities. First, because of his autism, his son will never be able to attend a prom. But because of Maddi, Jon was able to enjoy a great prom night in addition to attending it!
Mike Larson said in a statement, “It’s something I never thought would happen for our family, and not only did it happen, but it’s happened in such a beautiful way.” “And it’s beyond anything I could have imagined that it would continue and bless the lives of others.” It will rank among our most treasured recollections.
It’s 20 years old today—how is that possible? Jon, I adore you.
On Monday, January 19, 2015, Mike Larson
It gives us all hope that there are still kind and decent people in the world. I adore that fact. If you enjoy this story, do as the father has asked and tell your loved ones about it as well!
This little girl is very sweet and considerate to consult his parents first! To preserve the memories of that special day, I hope they got a ton of pictures taken of them!
