What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever done when no one was watching?

Chased a Boy: A Moment That Could Have Ended Differently

Sometimes, the moments that happen in an ordinary day remind us just how quickly life can change.

I was driving out of my block when I noticed a young boy who had gotten loose and was running toward Palm Avenue the four lane highway . I immediately realized he was in danger because he was without an adult and skipping and hopping going toward the main avenue.

He ran out of our neighborhood and crossed all four lanes of the highway. I was directly behind him, blowing my horn and trying desperately to get him to stop.

It was truly God’s covering and protection that kept him safe long enough for me to reach him. That highway is usually extremely busy, and somehow, he made it across all four lanes without being hit. It felt as though God cleared the way just long enough for him to get across.

He continued running along the sidewalk, and then he was about to cross the highway again.

At that moment, my only thought was, “I have to get to him. I have to keep him safe.”

I knew I couldn’t give up.

I stopped my car, put it in park, and ran after him.

I wasn’t thinking about my clothes, my shoes, or what might happen to me. I was thinking about one thing: getting this child to safety.

He continued running, and I chased after him across the busy roadway. At one point, I fell and scraped my knees and elbow, but I got back up and kept going.

He was running dangerously through traffic. I couldn’t just stand there and watch.

Thankfully, I was able to catch up with him at the park and keep him safe until his mother arrived. She explained that he has a history of taking off, but she hadn’t realized he was missing until later.

That part stayed with me.

Sometimes, It Takes a Stranger to Notice

Children with autism or other special needs may wander or run unexpectedly, and a few seconds can make an enormous difference.

This experience reminded me that community awareness matters.

You don’t have to know a family personally to care about their child. You don’t have to be a first responder to step in when you see someone in danger.

Sometimes, you simply have to notice.

I could have kept driving.

Instead, I stopped.

I ran.

I fell.

I got back up.

My nerves were bad because I knew how dangerous the situation was. But through all the fear, I kept telling myself, “I am destined to keep him safe. I have to keep him safe.”

When I finally got to him, I realized he was autistic—and he was such a sweet, gentle little boy. In that moment, the fear turned into an overwhelming sense of relief.

I didn’t know him. I didn’t know his family. But something inside me told me not to give up until he was safe.

Sometimes, we are placed in someone’s path for a reason. And that day, I truly believe I was meant to be there for him. ❤️

And most importantly, a child made it safely back to his family.

I’m sharing this story not for recognition, but as a reminder that we should continue looking out for one another—especially for children who may not be able to recognize danger or communicate that they need help.

A few minutes of inconvenience can become a lifetime of gratitude.

And yes… my knees and elbow are still reminding me about that chase. ❤️

Please remember: If you see a child who appears to be lost, confused, or in danger, contact emergency services and, when it is safe to do so, help keep the child away from traffic or other immediate hazards.

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Thank you for reading, and remember: sometimes God places us in someone’s path for a reason. ❤️

Until next time, keep believing, keep caring, and keep making a difference.