Belton: Father's request for Christmas cards for autistic son goes viral

Marty Mendoza is just a father who loves his son.

“I tell him I love him every day,” he said.

“I’ve sung to him every day since he was a baby.”

But things haven’t been so easy on them. His son, Marty, Jr., was born severely autistic and couldn’t speak.

Doctors said that he wouldn’t live past the age of 15.

He’s now 33.

No matter the challenge, his father says he doesn’t work in order to stay home and care for his son.

They’ve been living on food stamps for many years and it’s a struggle to make ends meet each month; especially around the holidays.

So, when Christmas time came this year, Marty, Sr. posted a request on Facebook for Christmas cards for his son.

“This year I got tired of seeing him not have any Christmas presents so I posted it on there.”

The post went viral and they both got a lot more than just a few cards.

They got presents, packages and an outpouring of love on social media.

They even received letters from countries like New Zealand and others, all giving their best wishes for Marty, Jr.

On Saturday afternoon, a group of Central Texas brought out their sports cars, Marty, Jr.’s favorite thing in the world.

“I love everyone for showing up and showing their support for my son,” his father said.

“I’m glad everybody loves him like I do.”