Growing up my parents, like many, taught me things that would help me be aware of my surroundings. Look both ways before crossing the street, don’t talk to strangers, mostly things we’ve all heard before. As I grew up they continued to teach me to be prepared for anything, such as my first car being a stick shift just in case I was at a party or place where I needed to drive someone or myself home.
They always told me it was important to not be distracted when in unknown situations. If I was walking to my car and it was dark to not be on my phone, to always look around and be aware. I have driven across country now as an adult multiple times and I always hear these things in the back of my mind whenever I’m on the road. It’s hard these days to want to be polite to people but to also be on your toes if they mean you harm.
This is a chilling lesson Abby Sue learned while on a road trip with her daughter and it’s something neither one of them will forget.
They were traveling down I-74 outside Batesville, Indiana and like everyone on a road trip needed to stop and use the restroom. They pulled off at a rest area, something most of us have done at least a dozen times and like a million other people just wanted to use the facilities and be on their way. At rest areas like this there are usually people everywhere and most of us have the same idea of safety that we are in a public place and that nothing is going to happen, right?
This is where situational awareness comes in, because sadly the truth is you can never tell what people want or are thinking and it’s better to be prepared than blindsided. Abby Sue being a mother may have been on heightened alert and good thing because things might have turned out differently for her and her daughter if she wasn’t paying attention.
When they finally reached home Abby posted her terrifying story to Facebook that would make anyone think twice before their next road trip.
Abby Wrote:
It’s absolutely horrifying to think about what could have happened to her daughter and herself had Abby not been paying attention to her surroundings. Noticing the woman following them in to the bathroom and taking time to listen to what she was saying all played a role in their safety. Going into the same stall as your child in these situations is always a good idea as well.
No one was ever hurt by being too cautious or too careful, it’s certainly better than the alternative in these situations.
Abby’s post was shared over 83,000 times and has become a good cautionary tale for people traveling. This is especially applicable if you are traveling with young children, in remote areas late at night and also if you are traveling alone. Because of her diligence she and her daughter made it home safely. And because of her post there may have been many more tragedies and abductions avoided.
The response to her post was overwhelming with shock and horror but also full of gratitude:
Some people went even as far as to call Abby a hero, grateful she took the time to speak up:
It’s true, it will never be known how many lives Abby actually saved. What is known is she was smart to pay attention and because of that she and her daughter made it to their destination safely. Like my parents you can bet Abby will make sure this is a lesson that sticks with her children and it will be passed down to their children as well.
Being aware is being smart and being smart is how you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
There is so much violence and evil in the world, its hard to know who to trust but still not let our fear get the best of us. But if we share these kinds of stories, if you call 911 when you think you’ve seen something suspicious and if we all try to look out for each other we can make this world a safer place.
Please SHARE this with all your friends and family to help raise awareness of these harrowing situations and how you can be better prepared for them.
