Letters

Last Monday afternoon, while driving north on Deerfield Road, near the intersection of Noyac Road, as I turned a bend, I saw a young, shoeless boy in diapers walking on the road.

I slowed and rolled down my window, asking if he was okay or lost. No answer. I stopped in the road, put on my hazard lights and walked back to him. He was frightened. I said, “I am nice. I won’t hurt you. My name is Raymond. What is yours?” He retreated and was agitated.

I followed to be sure that he did not walk into the opposite lane, and waved off traffic. I was prepared to rush forward if he were to move in that direction.

Soon, a woman drove by and slowed, seeing the situation. She pulled over to help. At a distance, I said I had found the little boy walking in the road. He walked to her. She kneeled and spoke softly to him. He warmed to her words. She extended her hand, he took it and they walked off the road. The situation calmed. It was now time to call 911.

It was unnerving to see a little boy alone in the street. The 911 operator was calm and orderly; “Is this an emergency, sir? What is the nature? What is your name? Where are you located? Give me a mailbox number so we can locate you. Where is the boy now?”

“He is walking up a wooded drive with the woman.”

“Tell her to stop and stay where they are. Can you describe him? Is he Black, white, Hispanic?” “

He is Caucasian and possibly Hispanic. He looks about 4 to 5 years old and is nonverbal.”

“Stay where you are, keep your flashers on and keep an eye on the woman and child. The police will be there soon.”

The boy calmed as he held the woman’s hand. She sang to him. They sat down. Another woman came out and sat down, too. I stood waiting.

Soon, a policeman arrived, although it seemed like an eternity. “What happened? What is your name? Date of birth? Address? Telephone number? Where is the boy?” He said, “Thanks, I’ll take over now.”

When I returned home, the rush hit — just how serious this could have been. Later, the policemen called to say that they located the mother and they were reunited.

How thankful am I that this kind and gentle woman stopped, calmed the boy and stayed with him. I hold in awe the calmness and clarity of directions given by the 911 operator. The policeman saved the day and later called to say all ended well.

Raymond Pride

Sag Harbor