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FSU Football Player Shares Lunch with Boy on the Autism Spectrum
In a heartwarming moment that has captured the internet’s attention, a college football player made a young boy’s day by sharing lunch with him. The photo of Florida State University wide receiver, Jake Harrison, dining with a boy named Max, who has autism, has gone viral after Max’s mother, Sarah, posted it on Facebook to express her gratitude for the athlete’s thoughtful gesture.
As any parent would, Sarah often worries about how her son is treated by his peers at school. Max, who is on the autism spectrum, faces additional hurdles navigating the social landscape of junior high. One of Sarah’s biggest concerns is whether he eats lunch alone. Thanks to Harrison’s kindness, she didn’t have to fret that day.
In her now widely-shared Facebook post, which has garnered over 9,000 shares, Sarah reflected on her own middle school experience. She wrote, “I’ve been trying to remember my time in middle school – did I have friends? Who did I sit with at lunch? Did I experience bullying?” She shared a painful memory of being teased and expressed her fears for Max.
“Sometimes I find myself thankful for Max’s autism. It may sound odd, but it seems to protect him from some of the harsh realities of social interaction. He doesn’t notice the stares when he flaps his hands or that he’s not invited to birthday parties. He doesn’t mind sitting alone for lunch,” she added.
Even though Max appears unfazed by his solitude, it deeply troubles Sarah, as it would any caring parent. That’s why Harrison’s decision to sit with Max was such a monumental act of kindness.
Sarah recounted the moment: “A friend sent me a beautiful picture with the caption, ‘Jake Harrison is eating lunch with your son.’ I asked, ‘Who’s that?’ and then I was in tears when I learned he was an FSU football player.” On that day, several players were visiting Max’s school, and Harrison instinctively chose to sit with him.
“I asked if I could join him, and he said, ‘Sure, why not?’ We had a great conversation,” Harrison shared with The Orlando Sentinel. As they enjoyed their meals, Harrison munched on a slice of pizza while chatting with Max about his love for Florida State. “He has such a warm personality and a nice smile,” Harrison said.
Harrison’s actions not only moved Sarah but also earned praise from his coach, Tom Roberts. “You can impact people in profound ways,” Roberts commented. “By just being yourself and reaching out, you can make someone’s day brighter and understand the influence you have as a role model.”
Harrison’s small yet significant act made a lasting impression on Sarah and her family. “I don’t know what motivated this incredible young man to share his lunch with my son, but it’s something we won’t forget. For once, I didn’t have to worry about Max eating lunch alone because he was sitting across from a hero,” she said.
In a world where small acts of kindness can create big ripples, this story reminds us of the power of compassion.
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Summary
A Florida State University football player, Jake Harrison, made headlines after sharing lunch with a boy named Max, who has autism. This simple act of kindness resonated deeply with Max’s mother, Sarah, who often worries about her son’s social experiences. The heartwarming story highlights the impact of small gestures in making a difference in someone’s life.