TODAY host Al Roker and his wife, Deborah Roberts, both took to Instagram to share photos and videos of their 19-year-old autistic son, Nick Roker, preaching a personal sermon at New York’s St. James Church. Al has been vocal about how his son’s diagnosis pushed him to be a better parent, claiming patience was the key ingredient. And now, that patience is why Nick is graduating high school and headed to college.
“I wanted to share just a small part of our son, Nick’s, sermon today at church,” Al’s post read. “I could not be prouder of who he is and what he has accomplished. His parents are proud, and I know his grandparents are looking down and are even prouder.”
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In the clip Al posted on his Instagram, Nick talked about the challenges he overcame.
“Today, I am 19 years old and about to graduate high school,” he said. “I have a learning disability, and I have worked extra hard to get to this point. This last semester, I earned all ‘A’s on my report card. It feels really good, but my accomplishments haven’t all been about school. They have also been about perseverance here at St. James.”
While school was a struggle for him, primarily due to his autism, Nick stated how the church never made his life difficult.
“I have always felt loved and supported here,” he said. “I am happy and feel accomplished after each service. … I feel empowered here and welcome. I am accepted here for who I am.”
Unfortunately, Nick will have to leave his church behind to attend college, but he tells the congregation that he will return to the church when he returns home.
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Roberts also posted about how proud she was of her son.
“Please Allow me to bask and boast a bit about our beautiful youngest, Nick,” she wrote. “After years of demonstrating what it means to show up, reach high and press on, Nick was chosen to speak about his journey @stjameschurchnyc today. Since childhood, Nick has had the kindest heart that is bursting with warmth and wonder and wide open optimism. In everything, including church services, Nick is all in. Any Challenge is an opportunity. We have learned so much from him.”
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This isn’t the first time Nick has made his parents proud. In 2019, Al posted his excitement regarding Nick winning two gold medals at a New York Special Olympics swim meet.
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