In a world where kindness and compassion often take a backseat, it’s refreshing to come across a story that warms the heart and reminds us of the good in people. One such story is that of Jon, a young man with autism, and his prom date Maddi, who showed him an unforgettable night of kindness and acceptance.
Jon’s father, Mike Larson, shared their heartwarming story on Facebook, which quickly went viral and captured the hearts of millions. Mike, a teacher at Jon’s school, recalled the day Maddi, a senior, walked into his office and asked if she could take Jon to prom. Jon, a junior, had autism, and Maddi had gotten to know him through a school club that promoted friendships between special needs kids and their peers.
Maddi’s kindness and selflessness shone through in every detail she planned for their prom night. She researched Jon’s favorite color, orange, and bought a dress to match. She also booked a table at his favorite restaurant, where they enjoyed chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk. Mike was touched by Maddi’s thoughtfulness and agreed to let Jon go to prom with her.
Their prom night was a huge success, and Mike’s Facebook post sharing their story quickly went viral. Mike’s post had three main objectives: to show support for special kids like Jon, to promote groups that foster friendships between special needs kids and their peers, and to remind everyone of the good in the world.
Years later, Mike updated their story, sharing that Jon was doing well and happy, still living at home. Maddi had gotten married, and while she sometimes felt embarrassed by all the attention, Mike was grateful for the kindness she had shown Jon.
Jon’s story is a testament to the power of kindness and acceptance. It reminds us that even small acts of compassion can make a huge difference in someone’s life. As Mike so eloquently put it, “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.”
