Daniel Nicastro has always found it difficult to make friends. That's because he has autism.
So it was no surprise when, just like previous years, nobody RSVP’d to Daniel’s eighth birthday party recently. But his heartbroken parents couldn’t bear the thought of cancelling the party.
Instead, they were inspired by Daniel’s passion for the police force, reached out to the North Port Police Department and invited them to the party.
And while they thought maybe one or two might turn up if they were lucky, they were overwhelmed when a whole group of officers answered the call to support the birthday boy – and they even brought him a heap of gifts!
To express her gratitude, mum Carolyn wrote to the NPPD, and her words are truly touching.
“It was my son Daniel’s 8th birthday. No one called to say they were coming to his birthday party. Both myself and his father were heartbroken (it’s happened before),” she wrote. "He absolutely adores the police and calls all of you his Super Heroes. He is autistic so making friends is extremely difficult for him.”
“His father (Dan) and I remembered the past 2 years of no one showing up for his birthday parties, he would spend the day crying that he had no friends. We could not let that happen again.”
“So when it came closer to the day of his party and nobody called, we decided to be proactive and bring invitations to the police department. We were not given any promises. We just hoped. Daniel had no idea.”
“While playing with his cousin Adam Sunday at McKibben Park he saw a large line of police cars coming down the road. He was so excited! His favourite friends came to his party.”
“He is still talking about it being the best birthday ever! Thank you North Port Police Department. You made my son’s birthday extra special with his favourite super heroes!”
Incredibly, the NPPD’s kindness didn’t end there.
The force have just scheduled a big birthday bash on July 3rd. In will honour Daniel and other kids who have had no responses to their own birthday invitations. Bounce houses and food will be provided, so the children have the best chance to make new friendships.
Wow, they truly are super-heroes. Let’s hope that the rest of the world grows to be as kind and understanding as they are.
