Every now and then, we encounter everyday people who perform remarkable acts that renew our belief in humanity.
This touching post was shared on Facebook a few years back, but it warms my heart every time I come across it – so why not share it further?
It tells the story of a father who recounts the day a girl unexpectedly entered his office and asked if she could pose a question to his autistic son.
Children with special needs often desire experiences just like any other child their age. For a 17-year-old, finding a date for a school dance is a significant concern, and it can be quite disheartening if no one is willing to accompany them.
Going solo – while not a major issue in the grand scheme of life – can feel like social disaster for a teenager; failing to find a date can seriously impact their self-esteem.
Some kids are particularly sensitive and may not yet possess the understanding they need – this is especially true for children with special needs, like those on the autism spectrum.
In this narrative, the father, Mike Larson, chose to document the events surrounding his autistic son, Jon, as he got ready for his high school prom. He later shared the entire story on Facebook, where it has since been liked and shared by millions. Check it out below!
“This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi,” Mike wrote in the caption of his prom photo post. “He is a junior and 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.”
Mike went on, “Maddi got to know Jon through a school club that fosters friendships between special needs kids and their peers. ‘He’s a junior,’ she explained, ‘so it’s his prom too. I just think he should have the chance to go.’ I told her we would be honored to have him go with her.”
Not only did Maddi choose to take Jon to her senior prom, but she also wanted to ensure he had the best night possible. She did some research and found out Jon’s favorite color (orange), so she could get a dress in that shade. Additionally, she reserved a table for their group (they doubled with another couple) at the restaurant that served his favorite meal – chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk.
Update: I’m sharing this again to celebrate this post from 6 years ago. Last week it surpassed 1 million shares. I have received…
Posted by Mike Larson on Saturday, April 27, 2013
Before inviting Jon to the dance, Maddi wanted to check with his father to see if it was alright.
“It was a truly breathtaking moment for me,” Mike Larson shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike’s prom post
According to Mike, he had three reasons for sharing the prom photo on social media.
- “to show support for special kids like Jon.”
- “to show support for groups that promote these friendships.”
- “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 viral prom photo was first posted in 2013, and since then, Mike Larson has continued to provide updates on what happened to the couple after the prom.
In 2019, he celebrated the post reaching 1 million shares and how his message had spread globally. He also shared how everyone was doing: “Many have asked how Jon is doing. He is well and happy, still living at home.”
Mike also mentioned that Maddi is now married and sometimes feels “embarrassed” by all the attention – she didn’t see this as something special. Mike wrapped up the post by saying, “Thanks to all who have wished them well.”
When Jon was diagnosed with autism over 16 years ago, his father imagined several scenarios. One was that his son would never attend a prom because of his autism. However, thanks to Maddi, Jon not only went to prom but had an amazing night!
“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,” Mike Larson expressed. “And 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.”
How can it be that my little boy is 20 years old today? Jon, I love you dearly.
Posted by Mike Larson on Monday, January 19, 2015
I truly value the fact that there are still kind and warm-hearted individuals in the world – it brings hope to everyone. If you enjoyed this story, please consider following the father’s suggestion and sharing it with your loved ones as well!
This young lady is incredibly sweet and thoughtful for asking his parents first. I hope they captured many photos to cherish that memorable occasion!
