It was 1999 and we lost track of our six year old autistic son Luke. Prior to this, our church service had just ended. Luke just began walking and our youngest son was two years old.
The church we attended at the time was meeting in an old building. My husband got Luke from Sunday School and I went to get our baby.
At some point, Luke wandered off and we went on a wild goose chase looking for him. I was panicked to say the least.
Everyone was leaving the church , except for a few concerned parishioners. It was the craziest feeling not knowing where our son disappeared to.
The church had an old attic that was used for sound checks. It was accessed by a pull out ladder. At some point it was shut, but we kept running around yelling, “Luke! Where are you?”It just did not make sense. 
All of a sudden, I could hear a distant whimper. To say the least a mother knows her child’s sounds. I scurried to have someone open the drop down ladder and low and behold there was our sweet Luke sitting in the dark.
I had not thought of this event for quite some time until I was told recently of the little autistic boy who lost his life after wandering off from his family in PA. These stories are hard to fathom, and even more to swallow. Yet, we have to. We have to remember how vulnerable our cognitively challenged society can be especially our children. 
Searching for someone missing is a feeling I would not wish on anyone. Anytime a person vanishes-tragedy can be right around the corner.
I hope this story shows how easy life can change in a heartbeat. In this case, it was a quiet sound of a whimper from my precious son. It was just enough to help this mom find her beautiful little boy stuck in a dark, damp attic. My heart still pounds pondering this event. 
Luke was held by me for many years until he learned to walk.
Nothing so powerful as mother’s love is there. Wonder though how he climbed up there since the rope chord is generally rather short. Glad you found him so soon!
Oh he could climb by then! He just heard the beautiful church music up there and wanted to go investigate! He has always loved music.
Kids are so quick. It literally takes seconds to lose track of where their curiosity takes them. So glad your story has a happy ending. Prayers for the PA family.
Yea. You are Absolutely right .
How scary that was but glad you found him in a timely manner. Cute photo of you holding him.
Thank you Laila.
That is quuite a story! You have been through a lot!
Jayliene- so many stories! You have so many you have heard too cuz!
My son Joel , was hiding in a department store when he was 5 and he thought it was funny I was screaming like some crazy woman all over the place frantically looking for him. A man came over to me and told me that he saw a little boy with blond hair over in a certain area, so as I was walking over there I heard some snickering in the middle of one of those round clothes racks; he had been hiding the whole time. Although my son did not have the challenges that Luke has I can still understand how frantic you must have
Absolutely! I may have had an interesting talk with Joel that day!!!
Lucky all turned out well.
Yes. Donna- my boy is quite a survivor!!!
Alesia, Your story shows the challenges parents have to live with everyday when a child has Autism. And I am sure. It has to be that much harder in a one-parent household. You can see the love between you three in the photos and it is wonderful ! I pray God will bless both your sons and you !
Peggy, thx. He is well loved!! I appreciate you cuz!!
It’s hard to explain the lump I have in my throat right now. I can’t even imagine what that must have felt like. Love you so much cousin.
Thank you cuz