Every once in a while, regular individuals do remarkable things that restore our faith in mankind.This touching Facebook post was first published in 2013, and I think you should share it again. Every time I see it, it brings tears to my eyes.A parent recounts the moment a female walked into his office and asked about his autistic child.
Oftentimes, the wishes of children with special needs are not dissimilar from those of typically developing children of the same age.Finding a partner for the school dance is a top priority for every 17-year-old, thus being rejected may be devastating to one’s sense of self-worth.
While it may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, a teen’s self-confidence may take a severe hit if they ever have to go somewhere alone.
Special needs children, such as those with autism, may be much more easily overwhelmed and overwhelmed by new information. In this narrative, parent Mike Larson decided to film his autistic son Jon as he prepared for his senior prom. After writing up the whole thing, he uploaded it to Facebook, where it has since been appreciated and shared by millions. Read on to find out!
Mike captioned a prom picture of his son Jon and his girlfriend Maddi, “This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi.” He has autism and he’s a junior in high school. I teach at their school, and about a month ago, a senior named Maddi came to my office and asked if she could accompany Jon to prom.
In addition, Mike said, “Maddi had gotten to know Jon through a school club that promotes friendships between special needs kids and regular kids.”As she said, “he’s a junior, so it’s also his prom.” Simply put, I believe he should be allowed to go. I assured her it would be a pleasure for us to host him and her on our trip.
Maddi invited Jon to her senior prom because she wanted him to have a memorable evening as much as she did. She did her homework and learned that orange was Jon’s favourite colour, so she bought him an orange shirt. She also made reservations for their party (which they doubled with another couple) at a restaurant serving his favourite chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk.
Before asking Jon to the dance, Maddi wanted to make sure it was okay with his dad.
Mike Larson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, “It was pretty breathtaking.”
Mike said there were three main motivations for sharing his prom pictures online.
One, “to show support for special kids like Jon.”
2) “to show support for groups that promote these friendships.”
And third, “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 people’s lives better.”
Mike Larson has offered updates on the couple’s post-prom life since the iconic prom picture was initially released in 2013.
In 2019, he was overjoyed that his message had gone viral and been shared a million times throughout the globe. When questioned about everyone’s health, he provided an update: “Many have wondered how Jon is doing. He’s doing well, and he’s still at home with his family.
Mike also said that Maddi is now married but admits to feeling “embarrassed” by the constant media attention she receives. Mike ended his statement with a heartfelt “Thanks to all who have wished them well.”
Jon’s father had many alternative scenarios in mind when he first learned of his son’s autism diagnosis more than 16 years ago. That his autistic kid would never go to a prom was one of them. But Maddi arranged it such that Jon could go to prom and have a fantastic time there.
It’s something I never imagined happening for our family, and it has, and it’s occurred in such a lovely manner, as Mike Larson put it. It’s more than I could have ever asked for if it continues to enrich the lives of others. It will be one of the best things we’ve ever experienced.
Today, my little baby turned twenty. I love you so much, Jon.A blog post by Mike Larson was released on January 19, 2015.
That there are still kind and generous individuals in the world gives me hope. If you like this tale as much as the father did, please tell your friends and family about it.
This young girl is incredibly thoughtful and kind to have asked his parents for permission before proceeding with the proposal.
