A college football player recently went viral for his heartwarming gesture of sitting down for lunch with a boy on the autism spectrum. The touching moment was shared on social media by the boy’s mother, who wanted to express her gratitude for the athlete’s kindness.
Jessica Timmons, like many parents, often worries about her son, Max, and how he fits in with his peers at junior high. Max’s autism presents unique challenges in the often harsh social environment of middle school. Jessica frequently worries whether her son eats lunch alone. Fortunately, there was a day this week when she didn’t have to stress about that.
In her now widely shared Facebook post, she reflected on her own middle school experiences, asking herself, “Did I enjoy my teachers? Did I have friends? Did I sit with anyone during lunch?” She recounted her own experiences of being teased and how it shaped her perspective for her son.
“Sometimes I’m oddly grateful for his autism,” she wrote. “That might sound strange, but I think it shields him in some ways. He doesn’t notice when others stare at his hand-flapping or when he’s not invited to parties. He doesn’t seem to mind having lunch alone.”
Jessica has made it a routine to ask Max about his lunch experiences. “I always ask him, ‘Did you feel sad today? Who did you eat lunch with?’ Sometimes he mentions a classmate, but often, it’s nobody. Those are the days that break my heart, even if he seems unaffected.”
This is why the actions of Florida State wide receiver Jake Thornton meant so much. Jessica described how a friend sent her a photo of Jake sharing lunch with Max, captioned, “Jake Thornton is eating lunch with your son.” She was overwhelmed with emotion, not knowing who Jake was at first.
It turned out that Jake was one of several FSU players visiting Max’s school that day. He later shared with a local news outlet his decision to sit with the boy. “I simply asked if I could join him, and he said, ‘Sure, why not?’ We ended up having a great conversation.” As they shared lunch, Jake enjoyed pizza while chatting with Max, who eagerly introduced himself and expressed his love for Florida State football.
Jake described Max as a warm-hearted kid with an infectious smile. His coach, Mike Turner, praised his player for his ability to make a positive impact within the community. “You can change lives in so many ways. Just being yourself and spreading kindness is what it’s all about,” he said.
Jessica Timmons expressed her heartfelt appreciation, stating, “I’m not sure what motivated this incredibly kind man to share a lunch table with my son, but it’s a moment that I will cherish forever. This is one day I didn’t have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone because he was sitting across from someone who many consider a hero.”
This story highlights the profound impact of simple acts of kindness and how they can make a significant difference in a child’s life. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, you can check out some excellent resources from the CDC and Make a Mom. You can also read more about terms and conditions on our blog.
In summary, Jake Thornton’s act of kindness in sharing lunch with Max not only brightened the boy’s day but also served as a reminder of how small gestures can create lasting memories and foster inclusion.