Every now and then, we hear stories about ordinary people doing kind and thoughtful things. These moments remind us that kindness still exists in the world.
A story shared on Facebook a few years ago continues to touch hearts. It’s about a father who recalls the day when a girl walked into his office and asked if she could invite his autistic son to prom.
Teenagers, including those with special needs, often want the same experiences as their peers. Going to a school dance is important for many 17-year-olds, and not having a date can affect their confidence.
Some children, especially those with autism, may struggle with social situations and need extra support to understand their emotions. That’s why this story stood out to so many people.
Mike Larson, a teacher and a father, decided to share what happened when his son, Jon, was getting ready for prom. His Facebook post quickly went viral, reaching millions of people.
“This is my son Jon with his prom date, Maddi,” Mike wrote alongside a prom photo. “Jon has autism. A month before prom, Maddi, a senior, came to my office and asked if we would allow her to take Jon to the dance.”
Mike explained that Maddi had gotten to know Jon through a school club that builds friendships between students with special needs and their peers. She believed Jon deserved to enjoy prom just like everyone else.
Not only did Maddi invite Jon, but she also wanted him to have the best experience possible. She found out his favorite color was orange and picked a dress in that shade. She also made dinner reservations at a place that served his favorite meal—chicken fingers, fries, and chocolate milk.
Mike later shared three reasons for his post: to support kids like Jon, to highlight programs that encourage these friendships, and to remind people that kindness still exists.
Years later, he provided an update. Jon was doing well and still living at home. Maddi had since gotten married but never saw her act of kindness as anything special.
For Mike, this experience was unforgettable. He never imagined his son would attend prom, but thanks to Maddi, Jon had a night to remember.