This poignant message was published on Facebook a few years ago, but it still breaks my heart every time I see it – so why not share it?
It’s about a father who recalls the day a female barged into his office and sought permission to ask his autistic kid a question.
Going alone, while not a major concern in the overall scheme of things, may be social catastrophe for a teenager; failure to obtain a companion can therefore constitute a severe danger to self-confidence.
Some youngsters are hypersensitive and lack the tools necessary to grasp everything; this is especially true for children with particular needs, such as autism.
“This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi,” Mike captioned his prom photo post. “He’s a junior with autism.” Maddi, a senior, came to my office (I teach at their school) about a month ago and asked if Jon’s parents and I would let her take him to prom.”
Update: I’m reposting to commemorate the 6th anniversary of this post. It surpassed one million shares last week. I have received…
Mike Larson on Saturday, April 27, 2013
Mike went on to explain, “Maddi had gotten to know Jon through a school club that promotes friendships between special needs kids and regular kids.””He’s a junior,” she continued, “so it’s also his prom.” I just think he should have the opportunity to leave.” I told her we’d be thrilled to have him accompany her.”
Maddi chose to accompany Jon to her senior prom because she wanted him to experience the finest night of his life. She conducted some research and discovered Jon’s favorite color (orange), so she could acquire an outfit in that hue. She also reserved a table for their party (they shared with another couple) at a restaurant that featured his favorite foods: chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk.
Maddi wanted to check with his father before inviting Jon to the dance.
“It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” Mike Larson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike explained that he posted the prom photo on social media for three reasons.
- “to show support for special kids like Jon.”
- 2. “to show support for groups that promote these friendships.””
- 3. “to remind us all, at a time when we hear about all the bad things going on, that there are lovely youngsters like Maddi striving to make other people’s lives better.”
Mike Larson continued to provide updates on what happened to the pair after the prom after the viral prom photo was first shared in 2013.
Mike Larson on Sunday, April 28, 2013
In 2019, he celebrated the 1 millionth sharing of his post and the global distribution of his content. He also stated how everyone was doing: “Many have wondered how Jon is doing. He’s OK and happy, and he’s still at home.”
Mike also claimed that Maddi is now married and sometimes feels “embarrassed” by all the attention – she didn’t view it as a wonderful thing. “Thank you to everyone who has wished them well,” Mike said at the end of the message.
When Jon was diagnosed with autism more than 16 years ago, his father imagined numerous possibilities in his thoughts. One was that his son will never go to a prom due of his autism. But, due to Maddi, Jon was able to not only attend prom but also have a fantastic 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 said in a statement. “And to have it continue and bless the lives of others is beyond anything I could have hoped for.” It will be one of our favorite memories.”
How can my sweet child be 20 today? I adore you, Jon.
Mike Larson on Monday, January 19, 2015
I love the fact that there are still good and friendly individuals out there – it gives us all hope. If you like this tale, please follow the father’s wish and share it with your loved ones as well!
This young girl is extremely lovely and attentive for asking his parents first! I hope they had many photographs taken of them to remember that memorable day!