Thankful Thursday of a different kind.

Over a week ago, I was met with an unfortunate situation, one no mother wants to be faced with. 

I was doing a quick grocery shop with my eldest son, Aston, at our usual supermarkets. I've been going there for over a decade. 

Halfway through my shopping, I arched up and sensed something was odd. Soon after, I noticed two teenage boys, bigger, taller and stronger than me, following me. They weren't together, but they walking up and down the aisles always managing to find me again. Aston did not take notice of all of this, I did. What made matters worse was my parking spot. I had parked my car in an area where the lights weren't working and hidden from everyone's view. 

They eventually realised I noticed them and with my big f*** off glare, they left my sight. But I knew it wasn't over, I'm amazed by my instincts. 

As I paid for my groceries I was still frantically looking around, I noticed them outside, together, pretending to do something but one of them was always watching me. 

I couldn't take my chances. I'm small, with a child and look like an easy target. If they had followed me back to my car, I have no idea what could of happened. 

I walked straight up to Security, the boys disappeared in an instant, I asked them {the security} to accompany me to my car and wait till I was ready to leave. They were incredibly helpful, but I arrived home a blubbering and scared mess. My partner could not have been more scared either. 

Some might think that the easiest resolution is to not go back. Ever. However being parents, busy working and knee deep in baby living, that is unrealistic. 

I'm thankful that nothing happened that day, that I arrived home safe with my son. I am thankful that my common sense kicked in to ask for help and not let my ego override that and naively think nothing would happen.

I have no clever way of ending this post. I'm just thankful Aston and I are here safe and unharmed and I'm still able to function, where in the past, I would have been stricken with anxiety and panic and most likely endless nights of sleep.

And that is what I'm thankful for this Thursday. 

Luisa xx

Linking up with Leigh, over at Six by the Bay