Every Parent's Nightmare

We didn't know where our autistic son Johnny was for 2 hours. It was a horrible feeling of terror and helplessness. Johnny is 17 but he is mentally three.
He is not able to communicate meaningfully. Unsupervised, he can be lost, and the consequence of him ending up in the wrong place,is just unimaginable.

I arrived at Stranahan High School in Fort Lauderdale at 6 PM today. I was supposed to meet Johnny and my wife Judy there. Johnny was to be brought there by the YMCA bus from Taravellah High School for their end of school year party and award ceremony. There were about 60 students and parents gathered, but Johnny was not to be found.

Before I arrived, Judy walked in and around Stranhan High School, frantically calling his name. When I walked into the school, she broke down and began to cry hysterically. "They can't find Johnny" she said,and broke down. She thought that Johnny was snatched by someone. He was in a strange school 22 miles away from home. All kinds of horrible scenarios went through her mind. Four YMCA officials were on the phone frantically calling the bus company, the school and I don't know who else.

I was horrified by their ashen faces. Johnny has not been accounted for since 4 PM and it was now 6.15 PM. In total PANIC, I called 911, a number I never wanted to dial. Watching my wife crying hysterically, I provided the 911 operator, information such as Johnny's age, height, weight, color, hair color and last seen address. It is a horrifying experience that no parent should go through. I am sobbing as I write this.

While I was talking with the 911 operator, word came from Taravellah High School Resource Police Officer that he had found Johnny sitting on the bench in front of the school. He must have been sitting there for an hour and a half, not knowing why every one had left without him and when he is going to be picked up.

I rushed to the school and saw him standing at the door waiting for his mom or dad to pick him up. He was calm and cool as if nothing had happened. I got the feeling that his angels were guarding him and watching over him.


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