By Aiko Hill

Looking Back, Moving Forward

This article departs from the norm. Last Friday our son, JJ, walked out of the house. In many ways he is a typical teenager. He’s a wonderful boy, healthy, enthusiastic and increasingly independent. He also has Down syndrome.

JJ had announced his plans of attending his school’s football game. We actually had other plans. At about 6 p.m., the house seemed quiet so I called for him. No answer. I looked around the yard. No JJ. I got worried, got in my car and began searching the neighborhood.

After an hour, I was scared. My husband called the police. In minutes, Officer Thomsen and Christopher Kwok, the district attorney, were at the door. They completed a missing persons report and immediately sent notice to the neighboring police departments. We told them of JJ’s earlier comments but doubted that he could make it to the school alone. They departed to begin their search. We got in our car to continue ours - downtown Los Altos, various stores, many streets. No luck.

After about three hours, we made our third trip to Mountain View High. As we neared, we saw JJ’s silhouette in the darkness. He was speaking with an adult near a vehicle. We approached and were met by Kevin Poyntz, a bus driver with the VTA.

He had picked up JJ about an hour and a half earlier as JJ transferred between buses near De Anza College(!), and after dropping him off near Grant Road, he sensed that something wasn’t right. When his shift ended, he got in his truck and raced back to the area to begin his own search. When he found JJ he alerted the police, and moments later Officer Thomsen and Kwok arrived. Everyone was relieved, although JJ was not particularly fazed.

Each of us repeatedly congratulated and thanked Poyntz, shaking hands and exchanging blessings. Officer Thomsen patiently lectured JJ about listening to his parents and staying safe.

That night could have ended on a much, much sadder note. Thank God for the selfless act of goodwill by Poyntz. He could have simply ended his shift and gone home, but he didn’t. His personal efforts are a tremendous example of professionalism and humanity that span far beyond the VTA. Our hero, JJ’s angel.

Kevin Poyntz serves as a reminder that ours is a great community. The world is fortunate to have people like him.

Send comments and suggestions to aikohill@aol.com.