Every so often, we hear stories of everyday people doing remarkable things that remind us there’s still so much kindness in the world.
This heartfelt post first appeared on Facebook a few years ago, yet every time I come across it, it still warms my heart—so why not share it again?
It tells the story of a father who remembers the moment a young girl suddenly walked into his office, politely asking if she could pose a question to his autistic son.
Children with special needs often have the same desires as their peers. For any 17-year-old, finding a date for a school dance is a top priority, and being unable to do so can be a tough hit to their self-esteem.
While attending alone might not seem like a major issue in the grand scheme of things, for a teenager, it can feel like a social setback. Struggling to find a date can take a serious toll on their confidence.
Some kids are especially sensitive and may not fully grasp social nuances—this is particularly true for children with special needs, such as autism.
Mike Larson, the father at the center of this story, decided to document his autistic son Jon’s journey to prom. He later shared the heartfelt experience on Facebook, where it quickly resonated with millions, gaining widespread attention.
“This is my son Jon with his prom date Maddi,” Mike wrote alongside a prom photo. “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 went on, “Maddi had met Jon through a school club that fosters friendships between special needs students and their peers. “He’s a junior,” she explained, “so it’s his prom too. I just think he should have the chance to go.” When she told me, I said we’d be honored for him to be her date.”
But Maddi didn’t just invite Jon to her senior prom—she wanted to make sure it was the most unforgettable night of his life. She did some research and found out that his favorite color was orange, so she chose a dress in that shade. She also made dinner plans at his favorite restaurant, where their group, which included another couple, could enjoy a meal featuring his favorite foods: chicken fingers, French fries, and chocolate milk.
Before officially asking Jon to the dance, Maddi made sure to get his father’s approval first.
“It was a pretty breathtaking moment for me,” Mike Larson shared with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Mike Larson had three key reasons for sharing the prom photo on social media.
- First, he wanted “to show support for special kids like Jon.”
- Second, he aimed “to show support for groups that promote these friendships.”
- And finally, he hoped “to remind us all, in a time when we hear about all the terrible things going on, that there are wonderful kids like Maddi working to make other’s lives better.”
Originally posted in 2013, the heartwarming prom photo quickly went viral. Over the years, Mike continued to update people on what happened to Jon and Maddi after that special night.
By 2019, the post had reached over a million shares, spreading across the globe. Mike marked the milestone by sharing an update: “Many have asked how Jon is doing. He is well and happy, still living at home.”
He also shared that Maddi had since gotten married and felt “embarrassed” by all the attention, as she never considered her actions anything out of the ordinary. “Thanks to all who have wished them well,” Mike wrote in his post.
Jon’s father, upon learning of his son’s autism diagnosis more than 16 years ago, had imagined many different challenges ahead. One of them was the thought that his son might never get to experience a traditional prom night.
But Maddi changed that. She not only made it possible for Jon to attend but ensured he had an unforgettable evening.
Reflecting on the impact of that moment, Mike Larson shared, “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. And to have it go on and bless the lives of other people is beyond anything I ever could have hoped for. It will be one of the nicest memories of our lives.”
I truly appreciate that there are still kind and compassionate people in the world—it’s a reminder that there’s always hope. If this story touched you, please honor the father’s request by sharing it with your loved ones!
This young woman showed such thoughtfulness by asking his parents for permission first. I hope they captured plenty of photos to cherish this beautiful moment!
