A Mother's Worst Nightmare and a Lesson Learned

 To be honest, I never thought I'd see the day where I'd have to write this post---let alone experience this nightmare firsthand. Sunday, August 6th, 2023, will forever weigh heavily on my mind. Why---you ask? Because it's the day that I almost lost my daughter.

We had just got back from visiting Riley in Arizona. We hadn't seen him for a month and my mom was with us. Our long journey home was almost done as we only had about an hour and a half left of driving. So, we decided to stop and get something to eat (and to let Stormee stretch). It was about 7:30pm Mountain Time when we pulled into the McDonald's parking lot. At 7:45 we sat down to eat. Not even 5 minutes in, three individuals came and sat down by us (2 female, 1 male). 

The entire restaurant was pretty much empty; so, it perplexed me as to why they chose this specific spot. However, I didn't want to assume anything, so I just brushed it off. One of the ladies began talking to my daughter; saying simple things like "Hi!" and "She's so cute". Again, I brushed it off as a typical conversation. But then things got sketchy really quick. 

She reached out like she wanted to hold Stormee; to which I told her that she's shy and doesn't really go to strangers. Now, at this point most people would back off. Not this lady, she proceeded to reach for her two more times and I pulled away. Finally, she stood up and yanked Stormee from my arms while she was eating. Yes----you heard that right. FROM MY ARMS WHILE SHE WAS EATING!

It took my brain a few minutes to process what was going on. I began to tell her that Stormee was not finished eating. Instead of giving her back to me, she grabbed Stormee's fries dipped them in BBQ sauce and tried to force feed my daughter who clearly was uncomfortable. 

My mom and I began to pack up our stuff and, just when we stood up to grab Storm, she had the audacity to back up and told Stormee to wave buh-bye. It was at this instant that my mom and I both snapped out of it and ripped my daughter away from the lady. We rushed out to the car locked the doors and called the police. Not even five minutes after we got into my car, the two women and one man got into a white car and drove off. And yes, you best believe I cried and the mom-guilt set in. 

I couldn't believe I didn't react sooner. Maybe it was fatigue. Maybe it was shock. But, whatever it was, it was not the right reaction; and I am so fortunate that the outcome wasn't what could have been. There is no excuse---just a lesson learned.

Now---before everyone jumps down my throat about what they would have done...this is a heavy subject and a traumatic experience for me. So, I would like to get a few things off my chest before I dive deeper into the matter. 

First, I want to start by saying I love my baby girl to the ends of the Earth; and, I would do whatever it takes to protect her from harm. Regrettably, on this day in particular, I failed to do so and I would give anything to go back and stop it from happening. Sadly, I do not have a time machine to do so----but, fortunately, and thankfully, I do have my beautiful baby home---in my arms---safe and sound.

Second, we do set boundaries in our home. We don't allow kisses from other people and we do try to teach 'stranger danger' the best we can. Even though we set boundaries, that unfortunately, does NOT completely shield our children from those who ignore those boundaries and intend to inflict harm. 

And, finally, without the fear of sounding "too cliche", THIS WORLD IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE. You see, I had the privilege of growing up in a generation where it was normal to play outside with your friends. I grew up during a time where it was ok to wait in the car while mom ventured into the grocery store to grab milk. When I grew up, parks were a fun, safe place for kids to unleash their energy while our moms socialized near the bench. I grew up in a generation where kids could just be kids without fearing for their lives.

For crying out loud, children can't even play in their own front yards without the possibility of being abducted. Parents can't even go to bed at night without checking on their kids every hour. And, if you're like me and Stormee, you can't even sit down to eat without constantly looking over your shoulder to ensure no one tries to run off with your baby. So, what do we do? How can we make a difference?

As the adults---it is our job to save the children! There's a reason they call us legal "guardians"....we serve as their guardian angels here on this Earth. We stand up for those who need it and advocate for those who cannot speak up for themselves. And, when all else fails, we throw ourselves on the frontlines to protect them. 

And, yes, as a guardian/parent, my protection failed. My reaction was not instantaneous. I froze. My anxiety got the best of me and delayed my processing. I live with this guilt every day now. I shouldn't have stopped to eat. I shouldn't have let her grab my child from me. I should have resisted more. I should have reacted sooner. I should have taken my daughter back the moment she yanked her from me. 

There are so many things I should have, could have, and would have done differently. But, I can't go back and change the past. I can only learn from it and use my experience to raise awareness to others. So, how am I going to learn from this?

1. Continue to teach stranger danger and encourage open communication

2. Don't just set----but ENFORCE boundaries, even if you look like the bad guy

3. If you see something, say something.

Even if you came here to judge me...that's ok. I probably would have done the same before this happened. You see, everyone is an expert until it happens to them (and in this case, I hope it doesn't). I didn't write this for sympathy, criticism, or parenting advice. Instead, I wrote this to raise awareness. And, yes, I still am a good mom, but even good moms get caught off guard. 

So, I am eternally grateful to have my baby home with me. Sadly, not every parent can say the same. But those of us who are, will continue to fight for them. We will continue to raise awareness; and we will not stop until these babies receive justice. Don't be afraid to share your mistakes because your story could save lives. 

Sincerely, 

The Concerned Mama.