In a world filled with stories of adversity and challenge, it is often simple acts of kindness and compassion that restore our faith in humanity. Stories like these serve as a reminder that there are remarkable individuals who go above and beyond to positively impact someone else’s life. One such touching story is that of Jon, a young man with autism, and Maddi, a compassionate senior who is determined to make Jon’s high school prom a night to remember.
Why not repost this touching Facebook post from a few years ago? Every time I see it, I start to cry. It’s the story of a father who remembers the moment a girl wandered into his office without warning and asked about his autistic child.
Children with special needs usually have the same aspirations as other children their age. This can be a serious blow to one’s self-esteem if no one accepts to go to the school prom, as any 17-year-old would prefer to find a date for the event.
Although it may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of things, going it alone can be tantamount to a social disaster for a teenager; this can drastically affect self-esteem.
Children with specific problems such as autism can be much more sensitive and lack the cognitive skills needed to fully understand everything. In this story, Mike Larson, a father, decided to videotape what happened when his son, Jon, who has autism, was getting ready for prom. He then uploaded the entire story to Facebook, where it was shared and admired by millions of users. Check it out below!
Captioning his prom photo post, Mike said, “This is my son Jon with Maddi at prom.” He has autism and is a junior. Elder Maddi asked if she could take Jon to prom about a month ago when she came to my office (I teach at their school).
“Maddi met Jon through a school club that fosters friendships between special needs and typical kids,” Mike added. He’s a junior, so it’s his prom, too, she said. Simply put, I believe he should be allowed to leave. I assured her that it would be an honor to have him accompany her.
Maddi chose Jon to go to her prom with her because she wanted him to have the time of his life. She did some research and found out that Jon’s favorite color was orange, so she could buy something in that shade. She also secured a table for their group (which they doubled up with another couple) at a restaurant that provided his favorite foods, chicken fingers, fries, and chocolate milk.
Before asking Jon to the dance, Maddi wanted to reassure his father that it would be okay.
According to Mike Larson, “It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike claims he posted the prom photo on social media for three reasons.
2. “show support for organizations that support these friendships.” 1. “show support for special kids like Jon.”3. “to remind us all that there are amazing kids like Maddi who are working to improve the lives of others at a time when we hear about all the terrible things that are happening.”
After the 2013 prom photo went viral, Mike Larson continued to update the couple’s post-prom life.
In 2019, he rejoiced when the post received 1 million shares and his writing was read all over the world. He also gave an update on everyone’s well-being: “Many have been wondering how Jon is doing. He continues to live at home and is in good health.
Additionally, Mike revealed that Maddi, who is now married, is sometimes “embarrassed” by all the attention; however, she did not consider it a special occasion. In his closing statement, Mike thanked everyone who wished the couple well.
More than 16 years ago, when Jon’s father received the news that he had autism, his father had many alternative options in mind. One was that his son, who was autistic, would never go to prom. However, Jon was able to attend the prom and enjoy it thanks to Maddi!
“It’s something I never thought would happen to our family, and not only did it happen, but it happened in such a beautiful way,” Mike Larson said. And to see him continue to enrich the lives of others is more than I could have ever imagined. It will be among our best lifetime memories.
Today my little baby is 20 years old. I really love you, Jon. Mike Larson’s blog post was published on January 19, 2015.
Jon and Maddi’s heartwarming story serves as a timeless reminder of the power of kindness, compassion, and inclusion. Maddie’s decision to extend Jon’s invitation wasn’t just an act of goodwill; it was a demonstration of empathy and recognition of the intrinsic value of each individual, regardless of their unique challenges.
In a world that often highlights differences and divisions, this story shows that the simple act of reaching out in friendship can bridge gaps and create beautiful connections. Maddie’s willingness to see past Jon’s autism and accept him as a friend and prom date exemplifies the values of acceptance and understanding.
Today, Jon is no longer a teenager, but a young adult celebrating his 20th birthday. His journey of challenges and triumphs continues, guided by the love and support of his family and friends. Originally published on January 19, 2015, Mike Larson’s blog post continues to inspire hope and remind us all that there are still kind and caring people in the world.
As we reflect on this heartwarming story, let’s heed Mike Larson’s advice and share it with our friends and family. In doing so, we can amplify messages of kindness, inclusion, and compassion, reminding ourselves and others that even small acts of goodwill can have a profound and lasting impact. Jon and Maddi’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love, friendship, and the limitless potential of the human heart.