Raising a child on the autism spectrum comes with its own set of challenges, but it doesn’t diminish the blessing that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) bring. Parents of kids with autism understand the beauty of seeing the world through their unique perspective.

However, for Evan Asher, his father struggled to see beyond the diagnosis and eventually left, leaving Evan without a dad for years—until actor Donnie Wahlberg came into his life.

Donnie first encountered Evan through his relationship with Jenny McCarthy, Evan’s mother.

When Donnie Wahlberg met Jenny McCarthy, he was immediately captivated by her, especially by how devoted she was to her son. After dating for some time, Donnie knew he wanted to spend his life with both Jenny and Evan. So, the two planned a special proposal together. Donnie and Evan wrote “Will you marry me” on four cards, and Evan delivered each one to Jenny before Donnie entered the room with a ring. From that moment, Donnie and Evan became inseparable.

“Not only is she the best wife I could have ever imagined, but she’s also an amazing stepmom and mother. She’s a wonderful partner, and the thing I’m most grateful for is being able to build traditions with my kids—and having Jenny by my side to do it,” Donnie shared.

Donnie goes out of his way to show Evan how deeply he is loved through his actions. Jenny McCarthy shared a special memory of one of the Christmas gifts Donnie gave Evan.

“One Christmas, early on, Donnie gave me one of the greatest gifts ever—he told me he was covering Evan’s college tuition,” she recalled.

This is such a beautiful example of a father’s love in action. Donnie’s gesture is a reminder that even when our earthly fathers may reject or abandon us, our heavenly Father never will. God is always watching over us, providing in ways we can’t even begin to imagine.