Interview with Eric Hosford:
- How did the story of Shayan and the Michael's Toyota of Bellevue start? What is the story you want to tell?
Eric: I received a package at the front desk. I wasn't sure what the package was or where it came from until I opened it. Inside the package was a heartfelt letter from Shayan. He must have enjoyed our playroom at our dealership during his visit. Our playroom has cartoons for the kids while their parents are buying their new car.
- It was really a kind gesture from you to write that letter back to Shayan. Just as Shayan shared his kindness with you, the friend he hadn’t met and wanted to share his "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" DVD with. How did you feel once you and the staff of Michaels Toyota of Bellevue received that DVD?
Eric: When I read his letter and took a look at the DVD, I was taken back for a moment thinking, "This kid spent his time, effort, and his belonging to make sure other kids could enjoy life, even for a fraction of time, a little bit more". I had to (hypothetically) take a good look at the mirror at that point. This young boy, who has had his fair share of challenges in life... looked beyond himself and his personal wellbeing to make sure that others were taken care of around him. I knew because of my own struggles growing up that character is forged through adversity and could instantly tell that that Shayan had a heart of gold. He needed to hear that plain and simple. Even though it was an extremely busy that day, I made it top priority to make sure that Shayan knew that he and his gift was very much appreciated.
A story of giving _eric_interview
- In your note, you mentioned that Michaels Toyota is one big family and you enjoy working there very much. I can imagine how that feels since WAAA is the same as the Michaels Toyota. Do you think that family atmosphere might have been the reason Shayan might have wanted to share his DVD with you all because he got the feeling of being embraced? Also, are there some other reasons that propelled you and the staff of Michaels Toyota of Bellevue to treat Shayan, a new friend with such kindness and enthusiasm?
Eric: It definitely is a family atmosphere at Michaels Toyota of Bellevue and we try to give everyone a truly exceptional experience while we welcome them into our family circle here, but I am not going to steal the spotlight from Shayan... not for a minute! Shayan did this because he saw a need and assumed responsibility to his conscience. He did a selfless and righteous act. Something that we as a society need to take note of as a collective whole. We need more of this in the world. If everyone could have a piece of Shayan's heart, well, we would not have so many problems in this world. People would be not left behind. They would be fed, clothed, and most importantly... they would know that they are loved and appreciated.
Shayan rocks!
A story of giving _eric_interview
- WAAA continues to lobby for social change and improved public policies on behalf of children and adults with autism, and we are very looking forward to hearing your ideas and feelings. Do you have any advice for us on our future advocacy projects that would improve access to healthcare or education for Washingtonians with Developmental Disorders?
Eric: I know a young child with autism in Alaska where he was in need of assistance. He ended up getting a companion to help him out which was a golden retriever. This greatly helped him advance and adapt. I think that dogs can definitely help. We need easier access to get trained dogs to families who deal with autism. This would mean that we need to lobby for qualified dogs and training centers that would be willing to take on this challenge. Who knows, maybe Shayan could be a lobbyist for such a task. Also, we need adults to step in "like a Big Brother" program to get trained up and assist. I think that would definitely be beneficial as well.
- Any additional information that you want to share with WAAA audience?
Eric: Any advice? Be like Shayan and the world around you will be a better place. I'm serious... how many people will take up the challenge today?! Who is reading this right now? If everyone would just do ONE random selfless act of kindness today and expect absolutely nothing in return... Do it for someone else... do it for your loved one with autism... do it for Shayan. If you do this, then you are doing something right? Very simple. I would like to see Shayans gift to spread. I am sure WAAA can arrange that and make it at least an annual event.
The Blog:
https://www.washingtonautismadvocacy.org/updates/2018/11/30/giving_story_eric_1/