(Angela Greenwood Reporting)
Frank Diaz drives a garbage truck for the City of Fresno and was honored for the impact he has had on an autistic boy on his route.
Diaz had no idea what kind of impact he and his big truck had on the life of 4-year-old Greyson Kelly and his family, but it did in a very big way.
On Thursday, Diaz was honored in the council chambers with a proclamation naming August 15th, "Frank Diaz Day" in the City of Fresno.
City Manager Bruce Rudd said it was the city's privilege to honor an employee whose kindness made such a significant impact on a little boy with autism.
4-year-old Greyson struggles to talk because he is autistic but Frank and his big shiny truck were able to break into his world.
Every Wednesday, Greyson communicates in his own special way as Frank came by to collect the trash on his block.
But about a month ago, Frank stopped his truck and engaged Greyson and he has been a hero inside the Kelly household ever since.
Frank never imagined it would lead to having a day named after him, but he's proud of the honor.
Chrissy Kelly, Greyson's mother said, "I think it's a fantastic recognition, not only for the mayor but the City of Fresno, to recognize what a gem is within the city. We knew it. We saw it when it happened, but for everyone else to recognize it, and get it, and think that it's just as special is well deserved but also so heart warming."
Frank and the Kelly's feel like family now and they even have him over for dinner.
What everyone talks about is how it's the simple things in life, like an act of kindness, that can carry the most meaning.
Frank Diaz drives a garbage truck for the City of Fresno and was honored for the impact he has had on an autistic boy on his route.
Diaz had no idea what kind of impact he and his big truck had on the life of 4-year-old Greyson Kelly and his family, but it did in a very big way.
On Thursday, Diaz was honored in the council chambers with a proclamation naming August 15th, "Frank Diaz Day" in the City of Fresno.
City Manager Bruce Rudd said it was the city's privilege to honor an employee whose kindness made such a significant impact on a little boy with autism.
4-year-old Greyson struggles to talk because he is autistic but Frank and his big shiny truck were able to break into his world.
Every Wednesday, Greyson communicates in his own special way as Frank came by to collect the trash on his block.
But about a month ago, Frank stopped his truck and engaged Greyson and he has been a hero inside the Kelly household ever since.
Frank never imagined it would lead to having a day named after him, but he's proud of the honor.
Chrissy Kelly, Greyson's mother said, "I think it's a fantastic recognition, not only for the mayor but the City of Fresno, to recognize what a gem is within the city. We knew it. We saw it when it happened, but for everyone else to recognize it, and get it, and think that it's just as special is well deserved but also so heart warming."
Frank and the Kelly's feel like family now and they even have him over for dinner.
What everyone talks about is how it's the simple things in life, like an act of kindness, that can carry the most meaning.