I had all intentions to do my creative space yesterday, even though it had been a super busy week at work, then yesterday - the scariest day of my life that very nearly could of been the worst day of my life.Glen took Poppy into the city yesterday and they were walking over the footbridge from Southgate over to Flinders St Station when a young guy in front of them started having a seizure, his head was being cut on the non-slip surface on the bridge so Glen was holding his head while someone rang the ambulance. He didn't want Poppy to see or touch anything so he had her standing behind him while he was still talking to her. All of a sudden the lady ringing the ambulance said to Glen, "Isn't that your little girl?". Glen swung around and there is a man carrying off Poppy. Glen ran after him screaming to bring her back - he just kept calmly towards the train station where he easily would of been lost in the crowd. Thankfully Glen caught up to him, grabbed Poppy and popped him. Just then the cops ride past and want to charge him with assault, it wasn't until Glen explained that he was yelling out and he didn't stop that they finally realised what was going on. His explanation that he was taking her so she didn't have to see the sick man wasn't washing when you have gone 50m away.
I always struggle to decide how much to share on my blog, and to be honest this isn't something I would normally but I am not someone who would ever think that could happen in the middle of the day in a busy city, it is more of a cop show drama. The scariest thing is neither did he that morning as he brushed his teeth and put on his business suit, he was just an opportunist. Thankfully most of the horror is unrealised by Poppy who is enjoying the extra kisses and cuddles.
What if?
Who could?
Why?
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97 comments:
You have stopped me in my tracks. Compare to you and Glen, I no doubt have but a fraction of the breath knocked out of me - but OH. THANK. GOODNESS. Baby steps everyone. Stay close. Regroup. Breathe.
How terrifying! Thank God for the lady who said 'is that your little girl?'!
Thank God that things turned out the way they did. It makes you wonder if people will ever stop to help again, after the terrible things that happen to good Samaritins.What a shame that our society is going this way.
I read this on Twitter and felt ill even without knowing the full details. Reading it now, I feel even worse. It's just something you read in the newspaper but never think it happens to you.
I am so very glad to hear everything turned out ok.
The most terrifying thing for a parent. So glad it worked out okay.
My God, So glad everything turned out okay - the kindness of your husband ends up been the opportunity for someone so evil, terrible, but so happy everything is okay...
OMG that is terrible. How could someone do that? Thank goodness she is safe and sound.
It certainly makes you think about what can happen in a split second.
oh F*** - sick to my stomach.
How terrifying.
That is so awful, I don't actually know what to say, you don't want to get into the 'what ifs' that is too hard. I can't believe the chain of events...it's surreal! Glen must be absolutely shattered from the adrenalin. I am SO pleased that Poppy and Glen are ok, I hope that you recover from this soon.
xxx
xxx
I am so glad that Poppy is okay - just terrifying.
I have always thought "things like that don't happen in Melbourne!" ... obviously they do. Terrifying. Absolutely terrifying. And so terrible too that such a thing could happen while trying to do a good deed. Hope you're all doing ok.
Oh Cindy, I read the whole thing with my mouth wide open. I am very relieved everyone is safe. I can't imagine.. Thank you for posting this.
That's so scary, I am glad everything worked out OK. Will the man who carried her off be charged with anything?
Reading this really upsets me. I always think I am being neurotic, stressing out about someone abducting one of my kids, but now I realise that unfortunately I am not. I am really glad that you shared your story, but even more glad that poppy is ok.
Glad Glen whacked him, it is the least he deserves.
Cindy - I am so grateful that you HAVE shared this. I can grow complacent and think it's ok, it's ok. And then there are scary reminders like this. I am so glad Glen was able to catch up. I am so grateful that that woman was keyed in enough to have noticed that man walking off with her.
You've done the community a great service by sharing this terrifying moment. It really is something out of a movie.
Oh Cindy. Big hugs for you and Glen. How terrifying. I'm with pottymouthmama, thank you for reminding everyone that there are people out there who do things like this. Poor Glen, what a horrible thing to go through. I hope Glen popped him HARD.
Big hugs for Poppy. xx
Oh gosh I hate this story.
But what happened to the loser guy, Cindy? Did they take him away?
I'm worried about that. I really am.
x
I hope you don't mind Cindy, I have linked to this post as a reminder for all parents that these things can happen. xx
How freaking scary - thank goodness for that ladies quick thinking to say something and poor Glen - he must have been shook up after the whole ordeal...give them both a big hug today!!
how's the man that had the sezeire?
I haven't stopped thinking of this ever since you tweeted yesterday. The horror of what could have been.
So glad the guy got a broken nose for his efforts - will the cops keep you informed? I am assuming they will investigate him ??
xx
oh - and I *do* like the fact you've alerted us all that bad things can and do indeed happen.
I think I will link back as well.
It's a story worth reading for all.
oh my gosh that is so scary, thank goodness it ended like this
I will hug my children tighter today! I can't even imagine how you are feeling, it makes my whole essence of being a mother just want to hug you so tight.
So absolutely terrifying, Cindy. I still can't believe it. The 'why' is something you just plain don't want to think about. And yes, what did happen to him? Did the police just let him go on with his day? Perhaps to try again at some other opportunity?
I feel physically ill. thank goodness she is o.k. hug her extra tight, I know i'll be hugging mine extra tight tonight.
Shit. I feel so naive I thought that kinda stuff didn't really happen in places like down town Melbourne. So glad Glen could run fast.
Yes, what did happen to that nasty piece of work?
Wow - I have been a bit slack with my little ones... thankyou thankyou!
I have no children so I can only imagine the horrible feelings that your husband went through in that moment. I am so glad that Poppy is okay. You never think that when you are stopping to do a good deed for one person there is someone else out there doing a horrble deed at the same time. Thank god that everything turned out okay.
The lady who was watching out for your little girl and Glen should both be commended. It's hard to imagine what any of us would do, but in the situation they both acted quickly and with purpose. Focus on those actions and leave the 'what if' thoughts behind. Hug all of them.
I agree with Jodie, glad everyone is safe.
I've come here via h&b. I am so glad your little daughter is safe. What an a*hole to take advantage of a situation like that.
Terrifying, we're all glad that Poppy is safe. Keep cuddling and hugging ;)
What was the evil so and so trying to do? Did he get charged? Was he mentally ill? Unfortunately parents don't have eyes in the back of their heads...and you said he had a business suit on, creepy.
Cuddles aplenty are needed after that
scary incident.
I am so glad you are all ok and having lots of hugs. I am so shocked, bewildered and grateful. What quick thinking by the woman and Glen, such a surreal situation it would be so easy to hesitate not believing what is happening right in front of you. I will be hugging my kids extra tight tonight. I hope you all have some quiet family time this weekend to recover.
This is such a terrifying story and I really do thank you for sharing it.
I frequently take my boys to the city and often over that very bridge and it has never seriously occurred to me that such a thing could happen.
Hold your girl close and give her an extra kiss from me.
XX (the second one's for you)
scary, scary stuff indeed!
I'm so glad your little girl is safe now.
My God.
I have 4 boys and this was my worst nightmare.
So glad that the ambulance lady was on the ball.
I can't believe that happened. How scary! Thank god you got her back. I'm glad Glen did what he did to that guy- even though he probably wishes he had have done more!!
how terrifying.. I'm so glad everything is ok and that the Lady asked "is that your Little Girl?".. its a sad thing to hallen wen Glen was trying to help somone in trouble... so glad she is safe and sound and smothered in cuddles... take care and I hope that you can try to have a happy weekend together..
I'm so glad Poppy is OK - and hope you are coping with what must be some very strong emotions. I followed the link to your blog from H&B - now am both incredibly relieved for you and wanting to go out and gather my children safely to me. Good grief - talk about every parent's worst nightmare.
How awful. I am speechless. Just awful. Thank god for the lady on the phone...
What kind of f%^& is that guy...
OMG!!!! So glad you are all OK. I'm hugging my little girl extra hard right now! ; (
So glad that ****er got a hit in the face!!!!
OMG I have just read your post - that is the scariest thing ever. My stomach turned reding it and I just had to go and give Ellie a big hug. Thank heavens that Poppy is safe and sound.
That is totally awful, you must be filled with incredible anger mixed with upmost relief. Words can't describe what you must be feeling.
Thank god every thing turned out for the best and a wee reminder to us all that life is so precious and especially our little ones.
My thoughts go out to you and your family and hope you are all ok.
Oh my god! I am slackjawed as I read this. Well done Glen for hitting him. Has the sicko been charged?
Have just read your post to tools. We are just jaw dropped reading it. What a horrible thing for your family to go through today. Poor glen but a real hero thumping that sad man. We will all hug our children tighter tonight.
Oh my goodness Cindy!! How bloody awful and scary. I've got goosebumps! Glad all worked out ok. Was the man charged?
Thank you for posting this. I'm not normally a person who worries too much about the world being a bad and scary place, but you've opened my eyes that maybe I've been naive. I'm so glad everything worked out, how terrifying for all of you.
Hope you don't mind, I've linked in my blog!
OMG I can't believe that. I am just sitting here in shock. Glad everyone is ok. I'd be interested to know if the guy was charged or anything too
Just popped by via Christine's blog and I am horrified by what your family has been through. So scary that someone can be so brazen like that.
Glen sounds like a remarkable man to stop and help a stranger in need and I'm so glad he got to snot the man. Thank god the woman spoke up.
Now no more what iffing, don't waste time thinking about it, use your time to enjoy your precious lives together.
Hugs
Jo
What a horrible horrible thing to have happened and thank god for the woman and your quick husband.
It made me feel sick.
Give Poppy lots of love and please try not to think about it too much.
Most important things in life: waking up to know you're still here, and having your loved ones around you. Sending you huge love from the other side of the world! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Oh my goodness! H&B pointed me in your direction to read your story.... Oh my goodness. How scary. And thanks for alerting us to this event; as you said it can happen anytime, anywhere and obviously to anyone.
I'll be back.
Give Poppy a few extra hugs & kisses... I know I will to my Monet...
I actually felt physically ill reading your story. I too am in disbelief that this could really happen and am stunned. Thank god for the woman who alerted your partner and thank god for your partner's right hook!
yes lots of cuddles xxx
HOLY CRAP.
Have they charged him?
Cindy, I barely know what to say - my blood ran cold as I read this. I'm so glad your little sweetheart is safe now. I hope the police have charged him (... or failing that, that Glen managed to break something).
Sending you my love. I hope you all have a nice restful weekend.
Liesl xx
Oh my!
I can't quite believe it, or don't want to.
How terrible for you all but not as terrible as it could be.
Will be holding all my children tightly from now on.
Hugs xxx
my heart dropped as i was reading your story....i can't think of anything scarier. wow...stunned. thank God that you got your little one back safe and good for your husband for hitting that guy!!
God, that is so scary, I went cold reading it. So glad that your little girl is ok.
stunned. well done glen, on both counts.
Reading this brought tears to my eyes, that is just unbareably scary! Thank God for the lady who pointed out the man taking the daughter and thank God he was able to catch him in time.
Was that sick man arrested? I hope so.
I rarely go out alone with my daughters for fear of these kinds of things.. It's a sad world we're living in..
Thank you for all your kind words - thank you so much, I think we are all still in a state of shock here.
They didn't arrest the guy as his excuse that he was taking POppy away from the guy having a seizure was plausable even though not probable so he technically didn't kidnap her - I don't even want to know what it would of taken to make that destinction. The police were still talking to him, but Glen just wanted to get Poppy out of their once he realised they weren't going to need him to press charges. I think they did take his details down and I hope looked into him
crikey thank god she was ok hope you both are too soon
OMG - how terrifying for you and to think that Glen was doing the right thing trying to help out someone. I am still shaking - Cuddle and Kiss away I say - off to give my two an extra cuddle
your husband is a hero. please give him a hug from all the mamas out there. i'm so so glad that poppy is okay.
Oh my gosh! That what if's and why's don't bear thinking about!
I can only say thank goodness for the lady who spoke out, she might have saved your little girl from goodness knows what.
Shame on the police though. This mans story can not be believed, your little girl was with her father and that would have been obvious to anyone. He should be charged with attempted kidnapping. Anything less is unacceptable.
I am so sorry to hear your family has gone through this but so pleased that your little girl was not harmed and is safely in your arms where she belongs.
The 'what if' thoughts are just to horrid to contemplate. Thank God that Poppy is ok. I'll keep my boys closer and not assume that everyone has the best intentions. So hard to do when I want to be gracious and assume the best of those around...
Holy Frikin' Cow, that is just too scary to even think about.
You always hope that your child would scream out.
Your story took my breath away.
Thank you so much for sharing and offering a stark warning / reminder to us all.
(ps - should have said that I've also added a link on my blog. If reading it makes even one parent more aware ....)
I read your twitter posts & felt sick in the stomach. It was definitely on my mind while out with my girls today so thank you so much for sharing this terrible story even though it must of been so hard for you. I have posted a link as I am also Melbourne based.
Thank god your little girl came to no harm and is safe. Its horrendous and I cant think of anything worse. I dont know what the world is coming too.......... X
oh my.. im speechless.. my heart stopped when i read that line! i hope that 'man' is being dealth with!
and send lots of hugs to you and your family
i'm still in shock from reading that! x
Oh My God, I've been sent over by jellybelly*jellybrain and my heart stopped when I read this. Thank God it worked out ok for you and glad Glen got a smack into the B*****d before the cops got to him.
Lots of hugs all round and I'm checking my little girl now - even though she's safely curled up in bed!
April xx
Thinking of you all - what a horrendous thing to happen. Thank God it turned out ok.
Lucy xxxx
I came via April's blog - this is truly scary. It is more common that people want to think. On our recent holiday we were at a busy tourist destination (on Phillip Island) our youngest disappeared in the crowd. I had been holding her hand, let go for about 15 seconds to get a tissue for one of my other daughters, then she was gone. Luckily I had my husband and two teenage children to help me search for her. She was found over 100m away in the carpark, being carried the OPPOSITE direction by a middle aged couple. They said they found her even further away and were trying to locate her family. There's no way a just-turned-3 year old could have got that far in 15 seconds. I truly believe this couple had been watching us (we'd seen them hovering around our family quite a bit all morning) and just took advantage of my momentary distraction. I kept a harness on my daughter for the rest of the trip.
OMG scary scary scary , I have shivers now I can't respond .xxxxx
The "what if's" absolutely make me shudder. Thank God things went in your favour. No wonder people don't get involved these days.
OMG this is such a scary thing to happen! I found you via Linda & Lilly Cottage's twitter page. And when I read flinders street and southgate it made my stomach drop to know this isn't just happening on the news but in my city where we just walked through last Sunday. Thank goodness for that lady, and thank goodness for your quick husband. I wonder if the police charged the man, and I hope the man who had the seizure is ok too. Such a scary story but thank goodness for the ending.
My friend's husband is a police officer and she (my friend) was always so very cautious. The real life stories though that she came back with via her husband really opened my eyes. You story reitterates this. Scary things do happen and it's best to be aware of them so well done for sharing
It is a scary story and I am glad you posted it as, however much is said about the stats on abduction not changing greatly over the last few decades, I just feel this can't be true.
On the other hand you cannot chain children to you either. I really wish the powers-that-be could get to the bottom of this group of people who offend against children and find some way to have all who show such traits monitored. Harsh, but it is unbearable to think of a child being snatched like this.
Fortunately, you can exhale, safe in the knowledge that there are quick-witted vigilant people also. A triumph of good over bad. So pleased to hear Poppy is safe :-)
Sometimes I am saddened by the world we live in. What a creep, so gald that the lady alerted Glen and he acted so quickly to retrieve your little girl.
I crossed that bridge every day for years going to work and I shudder to think that I was in the midst of such evil.
So glad all are safe - and thank for sharing this. it's an eye opener.
How terrifying and yet lucky. I felt the bottom drop out of my tummy reading that. Hugs to all of you.
ooo i have a shudder running through me. I suggest you try not to think why? and what if? too much. Thank God she fine xx
Oh my gosh! Thank goodness your little Poppy is safe. I've only just read this and am now off to read what has happened since.
I hope you're OK.
Terrifying!!! So crap that we have to think twice to help others in case someone steals our child!! Who would have thought. Thank goodness all ok.
Wow!! That is so scary...Thank goodness your husband caught up and saved her. I am so glad nothing bad happened. Give her extra kisses and cuddles!
That story had made me go really cold, I hope you have all recovered from the shock of what happened.
Lots of hugs to you all.
Louise xxx
I am so sorry you have had to experience something as chilling as this but thankyou for sharing as it's a really good wake-up call to the rest of us to remember how precious and vulnerable our little ones are.
Thank goodness she was safe.
oh sweet poppy how revolting. my god i am totally dumbstruck. haven't checked into the blogosphere for a while so had no idea what a trauma you have been through. this must have absolutely rocked you to your core. i literally can't believe that this has happened on a bridge that i walk across frequently as my mum lives in southbank. its quite a wake up call for me as i am a trusting person who likes my kids to feel free. will defo be keeping a closer reign on them now. this is a very sad state of affairs. u poor things must be feeling v raw still. am so glad that super glen got poppy back. lots of love xx
OMG Cindy, this has me in tears. I just can't believe that this could happen in Melbourne, and when Glen was being so kind... I'm not thinking 'lucky', I'm angry. The Police take people into custody for far less, charge people on summons for less. In hindsight Glen should have said yes to the assult charge to get his details (which I'm sure would have been dropped)
My paranoia level has just bolted from it's regular of high to extreme.
With love
Lynda
That is absolutely chilling - it's terrifying to think that there are evil people like that in the world. Thank God your little girl is safe.
My heart just jumped to my throat as I read this. Made for TV not for real life. Was the man charged with anything? I pregnant and haven't even met my little girl yet and this is so scary. Bless your beautiful safe family!
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD. Sorry to be so late to this post, but F*&K ME, that's the most terrifying thing ever! Are you okay????
GOD, I can't believe it, I feel sick for you both. And to think Glen was doing such a kind thing too. So unjust!
Bloody Hell, I'm SO SO relieved for you that it all worked out okay, and even better that the Cops turned up when they did so hopefully that evil-man will be charged, or at least checked-out and tightly monitored so it won't happen to anyone else. Imagine if after Glen had popped him, he'd just gone off into the crowd. At least this way some karmic justice has been served.
Oh thank-god you're all safe and sound, and Poppy is none the wiser. Lots and lots of family hugs and kisses I bet!
PHEEEEEEEEW
OMG! This is just horrifying. I was gasping as I read. So so so VERY scary.
Thank you so much for sharing this account. It makes me feel more empowered to listen to my inner voice and also feel less neurotic about this issue in general.
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