There are situations in life when you have seconds to respond. Not minutes, but mere seconds. I had one such morning several years ago. It was a normal Friday morning like any other, and I was heading into Sam’s to pick up groceries, again like so many Friday mornings in the past.
I purchased everything on my list, paid the cashier and headed into the parking lot with a cart overflowing with items for my family. As I placed these items in my trunk, I made one crucial mistake. I lost awareness of the situation in the parking lot around me.
I lost awareness of the young man moving toward me and the simple fact that his eyes were focused on just one thing — my purse in the top basket of the shopping cart. Seconds later, he was running toward the end of the parking lot, my purse in hand, with nothing to stop him in sight. He was running toward a car filled with other young men at the end of the parking lot. No doubt that it was the “getaway car.”
Time stood still. I tried to scream, but at first could not make a sound. I finally began to scream, which alerted a local Sam’s employee who was collecting carts in the parking lot that something was wrong. The employee quickly stepped between the young thief and his ride, and strongly suggested that the thief drop my purse and surrender.
Needless to say, after a struggle and stronger suggestions, my purse was dumped all over the Sam’s parking lot as I could do absolutely nothing but look on in fear.
The police were called. The thief was arrested. And, store management worked hard to ensure that I was OK and did not need medical attention. However, the fear that I experienced in those few seconds, which seemed like an eternity, made me realize that I need to always observe my surroundings more and protect myself and my belongings.
I share this story not to scare anyone, but more as an invitation to all women in the community. CARE will hold a free Ladies’ Self-Defense Class on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 5:30 p.m..
Due to the recent time change, it is often dark around 5 p.m., leaving one to walk across dark parking lots or in and out of stores. Regardless of your age or physical ability level, please join us for this class. Any and all tips that you learn will help you to protect yourself and those you love.
Make sure that, unlike me on that horrible Friday morning, you are ready, and you feel safe.
