Sometimes, we come across ordinary people who do extraordinary things that remind us how beautiful humanity can be. This touching story, shared on Facebook a few years ago, never fails to melt my heart.
It’s one of those stories that make you believe in kindness again, and it’s definitely worth sharing.
This story is about a dad who recalls the day when a girl came into his office and asked him if she could take his autistic son to the school prom. It’s a simple act, but it shows so much love and consideration.
Children with special needs, like those with autism, often just want to experience things like any other kid their age. Going to a school dance, for instance, is something many teenagers look forward to.
For a 17-year-old, finding a date for prom is a big deal. When no one agrees to go with them, it can really hurt their self-esteem. To go alone might not seem like the end of the world to some, but for a teenager, it can feel like social disaster.
It’s even harder for kids with special needs, who might not yet have the tools to understand everything around them. They might feel left out or unsure of themselves, which can make social situations even more difficult.
Mike Larson, a father who lives this reality, decided to share what happened when his son Jon, who has autism, prepared for his high school prom.
Mike is a teacher at Jon’s school, and he wrote down the story and shared it on Facebook, where it quickly went viral. It was shared millions of times, and the heartwarming story continues to touch people around the world. Here’s what Mike wrote in his post:
“This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi,” Mike began, sharing a picture of the two of them on prom night. “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.”
Mike continued, “Maddi had gotten to know Jon through a school club that helps create friendships between special needs kids and other students. ‘He’s a junior,’ she said, ‘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.”
Maddi didn’t just invite Jon to prom; she wanted to make sure he had the best night ever. She even went the extra mile to learn about Jon’s favorite things. She discovered that his favorite color was orange, so she found a dress in that color just for him.
She also made sure their dinner at the restaurant included Jon’s favorite foods—chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk. It was a thoughtful touch that showed how much she cared.
Before asking Jon, Maddi wanted to make sure it was okay with his dad. “It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” Mike told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “She didn’t just invite Jon casually—she wanted to make sure everything was perfect for him.”
Mike Larson had three main reasons for posting this story on social media:
- To show support for kids like Jon, who have special needs.
- To support organizations that help create friendships between special needs kids and others.
- To remind everyone that, even though we hear so many negative things in the news, there are still wonderful kids like Maddi, who go out of their way to make others’ lives better.
This prom photo was first posted in 2013, and since then, Mike continued to update everyone on how things were going for Jon and Maddi. In 2019, he shared that the post had reached over 1 million shares.
He also provided an update on 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 think what she did was a big deal; to her, it was just a kind gesture. Mike concluded the post by saying, “Thanks to all who have wished them well.”
When Jon was first diagnosed with autism more than 16 years ago, Mike thought about all the things his son might never experience. One of the things he feared the most was that Jon might never go to prom. But thanks to Maddi, Jon not only went to prom, he had an unforgettable night.
Mike shared his emotions: “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. And to have it touch the lives of so many other people is beyond anything I could have hoped for. It will be one of the nicest memories of our lives.”
As Mike reflected on the years passing, he posted another update on Jon’s 20th birthday in January 2015: “How is it possible my baby boy is 20 today? Jon, I love you so.”
It’s stories like this that make you realize there are still kind, thoughtful people in the world. Maddi’s actions remind us that a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference. This story spreads hope and shows that kindness and compassion are still alive and well.
If this story touched your heart, feel free to share it with your friends and family. The world can always use more kindness, and who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire someone else to do something as special as Maddi did for Jon. What do you think of this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
