The first day of kindergarten can be difficult for any kid. It’s a big change in routine and it can be scary leaving the comfort of home, adjusting to a classroom schedule, and trying to make new friends.For 5-year-old Carmine Mattaline, who lives in Chesterfield, Missouri, the first day of kindergarten was made extra special. Carmine has autism and needed to have someone hold his hand on his walk to school. However, his dad, Andy, was stuck in the hospital due to cancer treatment.But thanks to the support of dozens of people, Carmine had a huge entourage of fans walking him to school on his first day — including his dad!
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. Louis
Andy, who is a police officer, had been in the hospital for over two weeks when the first day of school rolled around. He’d had to have surgery to remove his cancer and needed time to heal.When talking about his stay at Saint Louis University (SLU) Hospital, Andy choked up. He hadn’t been able to see his children much at all since checking in. He’d seen Carmine only once, and hadn’t been able to see his daughter at all.
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. LouisHe was devastated to think he would have to miss his son’s first day of school.“This is one of my biggest days and I just didn’t want to miss this,” Andy told KMOV. “He means the world to me. We’ve been through a lot together.”
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. LouisLuckily, SLU doctors had a surprise in store for the doting dad.“Would you prefer to watch it in person? Would you prefer to get out of the hospital and watch it in person? ‘Cause we can do that for you,” his doctor said.Andy’s hand flew to his mouth and he repeated “What?” over and over in shock. He was able to leave the hospital for a few hours to see his son off to school.
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. Louis
Andy arrived at his home to another surprise: several of his fellow officers were there to help walk Carmine to school. They had been prepared to step in if Andy had to miss this milestone in his son’s life.
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. LouisIn all, there were over two dozen people who escorted Carmine to school for his first day.“It’s an overwhelming amount support that I just can’t process right now,” Andy said. “I just love the support … I can’t thank anybody enough.”
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. LouisCarmine was thrilled with the support as well.“That was awesome!” Carmine said to his family after they arrived at the school.
Photo: YouTube/KMOV St. Louis“I just can’t wait to release him into the world,” Andy said. “To his first step to transition into becoming something we all want to see him flourish into.”Learn more in this video!Proper BCS greatergood_ctg_abovevideoSource
