To the Man who Saved my Son

5956e1d1a7dd5.image (1)

There have been many a night that I have relived this terrifying experience over and over.

It was two years and three months ago since that fateful day. I want this to be a testament of gratitude to our unspoken hero.

Rewind to June 27, 2017. We had just recently brought home our miracle baby. He had defied the odds, being born with severe hypertension, he was unable to breathe on his own.

He survived a life flight to get him his lifesaving ECMO treatment.

We were early to our 5 year old son’s music therapy appointment. I had the baby in a carseat, and I was holding my son’s hand.

My youngest started crying, so I let go of his hand to get a bottle.

It was then that my 5 year old, who at the time was nonverbal, has autism and ADHD, decided to run.

I screamed after him to stop, then started running. I had to leave my baby in the parking lot because I knew I wouldn’t be able to run at all carrying a carseat.

Completely frantic, I saw a couple two streets down.

At this point, I had lost sight of him. I asked the woman if she could go back to my baby and call my daughter, while her husband and I started driving around.

Tears streaming down my face, I realized my phone was still in the van.

He pulled over and called the police.

There was heavy construction, so we drove around that. He then drove directly to a park. I asked him why, but he didn’t answer.

I saw a group of people by the bridge, and my heart stopped. It’s like time stood still.

My whole body was shaking, and at the same time sweat dripped my brow. 

As we came nearer, my blood froze.

As onlookers stood by, I saw my precious son bobbing in the river.

As I approached the bridge, several women pushed me back…as they knew I wanted to jump.

I screamed for someone to get him. He was only around 50 feet from the canal.

Everyone stood staring, and it was like I froze. I felt like I was dying inside.

The next thing I know, a police officer pulls up beside me. Without a second thought, in full gear, he jumped in the water.

What happened in the next few minutes is all a blur. But most importantly….

HE SAVED MY SON.

Without a second thought, a complete stranger risked his life because he knew my son didn’t have time.

A man with a family, a man with a heart, a man wearing blue.

So to all the officers and paramedics who were there for my son that day, and all of you others, we see you. 

We appreciate you. 

We honor you.

If it were not for you, we would not have our precious boy.

Every day, I thank God for our unspoken hero.

Our hero is Officer Reid Spitaels. Everyday I thank God that he was there.

In our hearts, you ARE a HERO, Officer Reid Spitaels!

Written by, Nicole Willard

Interested in writing for Finding Cooper’s Voice? LEARN MORE

Finding Cooper’s Voice is a safe, humorous, caring and honest place where you can celebrate the unique challenges of parenting a special needs child. Because you’re never alone in the struggles you face. And once you find your people, your allies, your village….all the challenges and struggles will seem just a little bit easier. Welcome to our journey. You can also follow us on Facebook, subscribe for exclusive videos, and subscribe to our newsletter.

Avatar photo

Kate Swenson

Kate Swenson lives in Minnesota with her husband Jamie, and four children, Cooper, Sawyer, Harbor and Wynnie. Kate launched Finding Cooper's Voice from her couch while her now 11-year-old son Cooper was being diagnosed with autism. Back then it was a place to write. Today it is a living, thriving community of people who want to not only advocate for autism, but also make the world a better place for individuals with disabilities and their families. Her first book, Forever Boy, will be released, April 5, 2022.

Share this post: