In a heartwarming display of compassion, a college football player took the time to share lunch with a boy who has autism, and the touching moment has captured the hearts of many online. The boy’s mother, Sarah Collins, took to social media to share how this simple act of kindness made a profound impact on her son, Jamie.
As a parent, Sarah often worries about how Jamie is treated by his peers at middle school. Jamie’s autism presents unique challenges, making the social landscape even more daunting. Recently, Sarah had been anxious about whether her son was eating lunch alone. However, this week, she discovered that he was not, thanks to Florida State University wide receiver, Mike Thompson.
In her viral Facebook post, which has been shared thousands of times, Sarah reflected on her own middle school experiences. “I often think back to my time in school—did I fit in? Did I have friends? Lunchtime can be especially tough,” she wrote. She recalled painful memories of being teased, and her heart ached for her son facing similar struggles.
While Jamie seems to take his situation in stride, Sarah frequently checks in with him about his lunch experience. “I always ask him who he sat with at lunch. Some days he mentions a classmate, but more often than not, it’s just him,” she shared. Those moments leave her feeling heartbroken, even though Jamie seems unfazed.
That’s why Mike Thompson’s thoughtful gesture this past Tuesday meant so much. Sarah described the moment her friend sent her a photo of Mike sitting with Jamie, captioned, “Mike Thompson is having lunch with your son.” Overwhelmed with emotion, Sarah was moved to tears.
Mike was visiting Jamie’s school along with a few teammates when he spotted Jamie sitting alone. “I asked if I could join him, and he said ‘sure,’” Mike recounted to The Orlando Sentinel. As they shared a meal—Mike enjoying pizza while Jamie had his lunch—they engaged in a delightful conversation. “He was so open and friendly, sharing his love for FSU,” Mike said, calling Jamie a “wonderful kid with a great smile.”
Mike’s coach, Greg Baker, praised his player’s character and the positive impact he had on Jamie. “You can touch lives in many ways. Just being yourself and showing kindness can make someone’s day,” Baker stated.
Mike’s small yet meaningful gesture demonstrated how anyone can be a role model and make a difference in the lives of those around them. Sarah expressed her gratitude, stating, “I will never forget this day. My son had lunch with a hero, and for that, I am incredibly thankful.”
In a world that often feels divided, stories like these remind us of the importance of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity. If you’re interested in learning more about similar inspiring stories, check out this blog post. For those considering home insemination options, reputable retailers like Make A Mom offer at-home insemination syringe kits that can help. Additionally, this resource on pregnancy can provide valuable insights for expectant parents.
Summary
A college football player, Mike Thompson, made headlines after sharing lunch with a boy named Jamie who has autism, showcasing the importance of compassion and inclusion. Jamie’s mother, Sarah Collins, shared the touching story on social media, highlighting how small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impact on individuals and families.
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