A UPS delivery man surprised a 14-year-old boy with autism with a special delivery for Halloween.
Kipp Youngman from Vermont has been with for 28 years now. Through his years of service, he has developed relationships with people he constantly interacts with on his route. So much so that he considers his job an extension of his life. Well, he does not even consider it a job. "It never has been," he said.
Since the pandemic hit, demand for deliveries has risen and so had given Youngman more opportunity to drop by the same houses more often for up to four times a week. That allowed him to know more about the people on his route and build stronger relationships with them. He also learned that 14-year-old Max Finn, who has autism, is a fan and loves dressing up as a UPS driver during Halloween.
Max rarely speaks, let alone smile for the camera. Speaking to WCAX, his mother, Wendy Radcliff, said that they felt pretty sad when her son was first diagnosed with autism because they didn't know what it meant for the child and the family. She explained that they were worried about the loss of potential and things Max would not be able to do in life.
However, Max's condition also made them realize they also gained so much in their life, particularly because Max makes them more attuned and attentive to others—something that they never recognized before.
Max loves routines and big trucks
Apart from routines, his mother said that Max loves big trucks. The boy's room is located in front of the house, so he would always know when a UPS truck is coming up the road, and that would get him pretty excited. Youngman said that Wendy would usually greet him at the door, but that also means that Max is not far behind.
For several Halloweens, MaxYoungman would dress up as a UPS driver. His mom would make special costumes for him so he would feel comfortable while wearing it. When Youngman found out that Max wants to be a UPS delivery man, he said, "why not just encourage him." Because it is against UPS policy for its employees to give UPS uniforms to non-UPS employees, Youngman thought of finding a way to get the Jericho teen his own gear for Halloween.
Max shows that rare smile
So, the boy was understandably ecstatic upon seeing Youngman making a special delivery for him—a box containing a UPS vest, winter hat and gloves, and his very own UPS truck, straight from the headquarters. Max smiled from ear to ear and hugged Youngman, totally appreciative of the special gift he received.
Speaking to ABC News, Wendy said that what Youngman has done for them had kind of renewed her belief that there are small acts of kindness people can do that really makes a difference. She added that the UPS truck driver's kindness and thoughtfulness means a lot to her and her family.
As for Youngman, he said that everybody has a purpose, and Max has a purpose. He said, "I', guessing I'm finding out my purpose right now."
