HAMILTON, Mich. — Students and staff at Hamilton Elementary School took time out of their day to bring a smile to a classmate's face. 8-year-old Jackson Beidler uses a wheelchair and enjoys spending his recess time getting drivers, especially big trucks, to honk their horns as they pass by.
"He loves honking, he loves big trucks honking, he loves any kind of big equipment that makes a lot of noise,” Jackson’s father Justin Beidler said.
What may seem like something small is larger than life for Jackson. With the help of supportive teachers and friends, Jackson has become more vocal and verbal, something his father said he’s proud of. Tanya Bosch, Jackson's teacher, said for him, it's an experience he looks forward to every day.
"He loves to go outside and especially doing this,” Bosch said. "I'm not always able to come outside with him, but when I don’t, he comes back in the classroom asking 'Did you hear it, did you hear it?' He loves to tell me about the things that happen outside here and the trucks honking and getting to see his friends.”
More than a dozen cars and semi-trucks honked their horns and waved to the children who waited with excitement for the moment. Each time, Jackson and his friends were overjoyed. His father said he is thankful the school supports his son and that he is surrounded by love.
"It's been a blessing watching the staff open him up and help make him into the boy he is,” Beidler said.
To the drivers who took the extra second to acknowledge the children and honk their horns, they have no idea the excitement and joy they've brought to Jackson and his friends.
Bosch has made a difference to Jackson that his family will never forget.
"Having been with Jackson for three years now, we have a very close relationship,” Bosch said. "I have a good relationship with his parents as well, which is so important to foster education and all areas for Jackson to be independent and to do the best that he can."
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.