A Story of Prom, Kindness, and a Special Friendship
This is my son, Jon, and his prom date, Maddi. Jon is a junior with autism, and a month ago, Maddi, a senior, did something incredible. She came to my office—I’m a teacher at their school—and asked if she could take Jon to prom.
Maddi had met Jon through a school club that builds friendships between students with special needs and other students. “He’s a junior,” she told me, “so it’s his prom, too. I just think he deserves the chance to go.” My husband and I were truly honored.
In the weeks that followed, Maddi went above and beyond to make the night perfect. She found out his favorite color was orange so she could get a dress to match. She even made sure their dinner reservations were at a restaurant that served his favorite meal: chicken fingers and french fries.
I’m sharing this story for a few reasons.
First, to show support for amazing kids like Jon and to highlight the importance of programs that promote these kinds of friendships.
And finally, to remind us all that in a world filled with bad news, there are still wonderful young people like Maddi who are working to make others’ lives better. Their kindness can truly change a person’s life.
Credit : Mike Larson
