A Local Story with a Happy Ending!

Many of you may have seen the news story this week about the  autistic child (9) who wandered away from his parents last Sunday afternoon in a battlefield park.  I live in the same county about 15 miles from where he was missing for 5 days. 

Hundreds of volunteers searched for him everyday and he was finally found Friday afternoon. The temperatures were pretty mild early in the week but Friday night it became much colder  with  heavy rains.  Everyone is so thankful that he was found Friday afternoon!   This report was  posted by our local police department on Facebook Sunday night:

Update on how Robert was found

by Hanover County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, October 29, 2011 at 10:08pm

When Robert was found he was wearing all of his clothes with the exception of his shoes.  They were found nearby.  He was lying in a damp creek bed.  The citizen that found him was not part of an organized search, but like the many that did assist in the search, he felt compelled to do what he could.  After obtaining permission to park his car from a resident on Verdon Road, he started to search the woods on west side of the quarry property.   Upon finding Robert, he placed a stocking cap on Robert’s head, gloves on his hands, wrapped him in a coat, gave him water to drink, and then called 911.

I have spoken at length with the gentlemen that found Robert.  He does not wish for his name to be released.  He simply offered the following statement:

“I was guided by the holy spirit, to take any recognition for finding Robert would take credit away from God.”

Each day as the sun went down, everyone felt sad that he would spend another night out in the elements. Friday night was joyful because we could all go to bed knowing that he was safe and warm. The media is reporting that he will be hospitalized for several days but he is doing very well.