That was just a few seconds of the original emotion, but it captured the hearts of millions of people. At last year's Democratic National Convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted the nomination for the U.S. vice president, his son Gus Walz, at his Democratic National Convention. National TV, applauding and crying As he proudly declared, “That is my father.”

This moment spreads as a symbol of love and pride.

"It's super overwhelming because to me, he's just an ordinary old dad. (He) goes with me, cooks, cleans the car. In that moment, it's something bigger. It's just surreal."

The governor said the moment resonated with people across the country.

"It's an inspiring thing to human nature, and the vast majority of people have (positive reactions) no matter what politics," he said.

Behind the heartfelt moment is a story that is deeper than politics.

“I’m so happy to show people who I am and what I do,” Gus said in the governor’s mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Overcome the challenge

Although public responses to the viral DNC moment range from admiration and compassion to cruelty, Gus Waltz strode forward.

"I'm just emotionally excited. There's nothing wrong with showing emotions," he said. "If people are going to say there's something wrong with it, then these aren't the people I want to connect with."

The 18-year-old was diagnosed with nonverbal learning disability (NVLD), ADHD and sixth grade anxiety, a condition shared by many but often misunderstood.

Growing up, he faced challenges, including a basketball coach who discouraged others from becoming friends with him. The 18-year-old found his place in the context of therapy, family support and durability.

“We figured out that I had challenges and strengths,” he said. “The routine helps … consistency.”

First lady in Minnesota and former teacher Gwen Walz helped her son overcome the obstacles. She explained that NVLD can affect a person's ability to understand nonverbal prompts, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone.

“Sometimes people think that’s something you can’t say,” she said. “He kept talking.”

The first lady added: "But I still think it resonates with people with children who don't speak. I think (for those families) we understand the challenge."

NVLD can lead to moments of confusion in everyday situations—such as not recognizing when someone wants to end a conversation or misread irony is sincere, but with support, Gus develops strategies to adapt.

“I’m just trying to let people know that I might be struggling in this area, and I’m probably going to be very strong in that area,” he said.

He and his mom also practice reading people’s social clues in public.

"It's like they're looking away, don't make a lot of eye contact. Maybe they're ready to finish the conversation...things like that, practice, some therapy."

His awareness of better reading nonverbal prompts and proactively contacting others has become an advantage.

“I’m really good at building relationships with people,” Gus explained. When asked how people responded, he said, “People are better than you think.”

Find strength in sports and family

One of his greatest media is volleyball. Until recently, boys volleyball was recognized as the official high school sport, and Gus helped lead the growing sport.

"It shocked me when he said 'I'm going to be good at volleyball'," Governor Waltz said. "We've become a volleyball family because Gus just decided he's going to be good at it."

Now, Gus is a key player in an unbeaten team and is just an advocate on his own.

"I want people to know that I'm just a normal kid," he said. "I love volleyball, my family, my friends - I want to help people."

At home, his connection with his parents is related. The round-trip introduction with mom about what to wear at the dance and inquiries about school work ended in a classic teenage way.

"No, I didn't do that." Gus grinned, trying to sit down and make plans.

But when asked if mom is his best friend, he said without hesitation: “Yes, absolutely.”