By Julia Evelsizer
The Pantagraph
BLOOMINGTON, Ill — Hunter Hillman didn’t want to tell his mom he was eating lunch alone.
Diagnosed with autism, he struggles socially, so 8-year-old Hunter kept to himself during lunch at Trinity Lutheran School in Bloomington.
“He said he didn’t want to tell me because I would be sad,” said his mom, Megan Hillman of Bloomington.
Hunter’s situation concerned his second-grade teacher, who informed his mom during a recent parent-teacher conference.
“I called my friend Jill Riesenberg just to get some support and advice as to what I should do. She helped me feel better,” said Megan Hillman.
“We often have been a source of support for each other through our kids. When she called, it broke my heart to sense that devastation in her voice,” said Riesenberg, of Bloomington.
After the phone call, Riesenberg shared the story with her husband Steve, a District 6 captain with the Illinois State Police. He immediately saw an opportunity to boost Hunter’s spirits.
“It’s a sad thing to hear that such a sweet little boy would be alone. I felt motivated to go help him out and make his day a little brighter,” said Steve Riesenberg.
Hunter came into the cafeteria one day last week to find a seat saved for him by three uniformed state police officers — Steve Riesenberg and troopers Matt Frizzell and Chris Parmley.
“I invited those two officers to come with me because they’re outgoing, friendly guys with tremendous personalities,” said Steve Riesenberg.
The officers enjoyed packed lunches from Megan Hillman that matched the dietary restrictions in Hunter’s meal due to severe allergies.
Enamored by the men in uniform, students swarmed around the table, but the officers were there for Hunter. Steve Riesenberg said it took a while for Hunter to open up, but soon he was talking and laughing between bites.
“It was special. I wasn’t alone anymore,” said Hunter. “It made me feel happy.”
After lunch, the officers followed Hunter and his peers to the playground where they played tag, showed off on the monkey bars and let children try on their wide-brimmed hats.
“We had lots of fun,” said Steve Riesenberg. “There was lots of running around and having fun with all of the kids.”
Megan Hillman watched from the sidelines and took pictures as her son was the leader of a massive game of tag.
Steve Riesenberg said he was glad the visit was a positive interaction between law enforcement and children and he was surprised at the willingness students showed in approaching the officers to play.
“I hope this showed Hunter how special of a young man he is and that he’s cared for. Hopefully, his peers will see how there is value in all of us and we’re all special people,” said Steve Riesenberg.
Hunter also took home a T shirt and dog tags as gifts from the officers. Naturally, he wore them to bed that night.
“I hope for his peers, as they grow, that they could continue to learn the motivating power of empathy,” said Jill Riesenberg. “I know those kids are so young, but empathy is a wonderful gift.”
And, on Tuesday, Hunter said he was joined by a friend at lunch.
“I hope this encourages others to include children that might be excluded otherwise,” said Megan Hillman. ”I’m forever grateful and moved by them taking the time to do that on their day off. Hunter will never forget this.”