Family recreate Blockbuster for autistic son devastated after local video shop closed
Most Blockbuster outlets are long gone. In the UK the VHS and DVD rental chain went into administration in 2013, as consumers turned to movie streaming services in favour of video rentals.
Although its a similar story in the US, there are a handful of the stores clinging on - 12 of them, to be precise, according to CBS, from a peak of several thousand just a few years ago.
One of the few remaining Blockbusters in south Texas closed its doors this month - and at least one regular visitor was heartbroken.
That visitor, a young man with autism, then received a surprise from his parents, who recreated a miniature Blockbusters in their home, stocked with his favourite movies.
The pictures went viral after they were shared by Twitter user Javiii_Zuniga, who wrote: “My autistic brother was sad that Blockbuster was closing down, so my parents made a mini one at home for him!”
His post as since been shared thousands of times, with scores of followers saying how moving they found the parents' gesture:
@Javiii_Zuniga Please tell your parents how incredible they are, and thank you so much for documenting this beautiful moment
— Ani (@toniricearoni) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga You and your parents are wonderful souls!! No better love then the love from an autistic child. This warms my heart. Thank you for sharing!
— Catherine Goad (@ImpossibleGrl11) April 24, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga@Gubelliah this means so much to me. my sister is autistic and it's so great when people pay attention to her special interests❤❤
— Sadie (@mediocresadie) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga@AllLeftNews There are some stunningly wonderful parents out there.
— Denise P. (@p_ukatae) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga Sir, you learned about life from some truly decent people. This is beautiful. #inspiring
— Gennyfer Hanvey (@Gennyfer) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga Omg, this is incredible; you have a wonderful family. ��My little bro & 3yo daughter also have autism, so this really got me. Ty for sharing.
— Liza (@rediscover_me) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga This is so thoughtful! Ive known kids w/ autism who have problems w/ change and varying routines...amazing solution! ❤❤❤ Great people! Love!
— Jo's Garage (@LDsGarage) April 25, 2017
@Javiii_Zuniga This is absolutely amazing. I love it.
— sam (@yllennodmas) April 25, 2017
