Last weekend my wife was sick, so I took our three-year old out just to give her some peace. We had a guys’ day out and by the end of the day I was worn out and he was upset from being tired. Any of you that have kids know how hard it can be to control him. At the end of the day, we went to Wal-Mart because I needed a cheap T-shirt.
After fighting him over some angry birds toys he wanted, we left. I had him in a cart like I normally do because it’s easier to contain him and move him. Parents know what I’m talking about. When I got to my truck he was in the cart with the t-shirts I bought. He had taken his shoes off and was throwing a fit that he needed his shoes before getting into the truck. I looked around and didn’t see anything out of the normal, just a lot of people walking to and from the store. So I started to put his shoes on. The parking lot was just slanted enough at that point that the cart was trying to roll away.
I put on one shoe, looked up and saw a man coming towards me that I hadn’t seen before. He walked right up to us and starting talking about needing help with something. I wasn’t paying attention to his words, only that he had his right hand in his sweater pocket and was talking with his left hand. There I stood, holding the kid so he wouldn’t roll away and this guy just out of reach. I was desperately trying to think of a way to get away with the little voice in the back of my head going nuts, saying “danger, Will Robinson, danger!” but there was no where to go (and yes, even my subconscious has a sense of humor). I realized that I would have to let go of the cart and let the kid ride the basket, hopefully into the parked car behind my truck, then close the distance and take care of this guy.
I also realized that I was bought and paid for. He had me by all rights, because there wasn’t much I could do. I put myself in a bad position and wasn’t prepared to defend myself. Luckily, this guy didn’t have any malicious intent or I scared him off when I said “no thank you, GO AWAY!” The first half was nice, the second half was a command. He said okay, I’m sorry and left. I tossed the kid in and climbed in behind him. I locked the doors, started the truck, and then moved the truck to another part of the parking lot. I then buckled my kid’s seat belt and mine, then left.
This could have gone a lot worse, and I should have known better. We all get a little complacent at times. I share this not to show how badly I messed up but so that you recognize when you mess up. There are times we make enough mistakes to be in trouble. I want you to recognize the times that you have been bought and paid for and there was nothing you could do about it. Then after, go back and figure how you got into that position in the first place, so you can make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Stay Safe,
Ben
As always, a great wake up call on being prepared. I especially agree with reviewing the situation after in an attempt to prevent being vulnerable in future. I was fortunate to make aquiantance of former federal agent that advised me on variety of defensive tactics. One that I’m constantly thinking of is keeping your strong / draw hand free, especially when going through a parking lot.
Definitely a good idea! Something I just do because of training and practice. If you keep a gun you should always have your gun hand free. It’s a good idea to have a hand free even if you aren’t carrying a gun so you can defend yourself without having to do something else first. Good point Jay.