Mom's Tribute to Stranger Who Entertained Daughter with Autism on Plane Goes Viral (+video)

Eric Kunkel might not really be 3-year-old Kate’s real Daddy, but for 2½ glorious hours on an airplane he generously assumed the child’s name for him.

Her fellow passenger’s act of kindness greatly touched Shanell Mouland, Kate’s mom, who was dreading the Jan. 5 flight home to Canada (by way of Philadelphia) after a weeklong family trip to Orlando.

Kate, who has autism and trouble sitting for long periods, can protest loudly when feeling uncomfortable, yet it appears both Mouland and Kate hit the jackpot when Kunkel sat down next to the little girl.

For some reason, Kate felt an immediate connection to the New Jersey businessman, reaching out to him and calling him “Daddy.” Kunkel happily played along, putting aside his work and entertaining little Kate for the duration of the flight.

His gracious attention to Mouland’s younger daughter prompted a three-hanky tribute to him on her blog, Go Team Kate, that has since gone viral.