A Bastard Made Me Stronger – True Story of a Kidnapping
By Susan Mercedes. Filed in Family, Life |
When I was 4 years old, I was kidnapped.
Tragic story. Except I’m alive today. And stronger because of it.
It happened in broad daylight. In Houston, Texas. In 1975. I was with my 13 year old babysitter, Vicky.
Everyday after school Vicky came to my preschool. We’d walk to my house from there. Through the quiet Houston neighborhood.
One day a man in a sedan pulled up to ask us for directions. Then he asked Vicky for a pencil so he could write down the directions. She handed him a pencil. He twisted her arm and instructed us to get in the car. Bastard.
He looked normal. But his tone was forceful. This made him scary. Bastard.
He ordered Vicky to “tell the little girl in the backseat to lay down”. I heard him. But he wouldn’t talk to me. Bastard.
He didn’t touch me. But he did violate Vicky. I heard her cries for help from the front seat. He was a sick man. Bastard.
He told Vicky that if she didn’t stop crying he would “kill the little girl in the backseat”. Bastard.
He kept us for many hours. He told us not to tell anyone. He dropped us off. He had to get home to his own family. Bastard.
He broke Vicky. Her spirit. Her innocence. Her childhood. All gone. Bastard.
He put me, a 4 year old child, in a position to testify in a courtroom. My parents weren’t allowed to be with me. I was alone. Bastard.
He was caught. He was locked up. Eventually he was released from prison (while I was in college). Bastard.
A man kidnapped me. He put fear into my life at a precious young age. Bastard.
This event forever changed me. It changed my outlook on life. This event made me believe that nothing bad (like really bad) could ever happen to me again. So if you ever experience me finding the upside in a negative situation, this is why. It was him. The bastard.
My mom, my dad and my brother had to see me go through this. Without them I would have been broken too. The real courage came from them and the rest of my family. They saved me.
Luckily, at the time, I was too young to know how this would impact my life.
And it did. Forever. And significantly.
This is a shortened version of my story. There is so much more: The memories are so clear. The feelings are so fresh. Even as a 4 year old, I vividly remember holding my artwork as I laid down on the back seat and wishing nothing more than to show my mom what I did that day in school.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 9:42 am
wow…what ever happened to Vicki?
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Lisa: I have no idea what ever happened to Vicky. I need to ask my mom if she knows how to reach her (maybe Facebook can help – I hate FB otherwise). I’d love to see how she’s doing.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 9:49 am
Wow. Just, wow.
Bastard, indeed.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Ryan: There are some bastards in the world. I’m thankful for all the good people though. There are more of those. *fingers crossed*
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 11:08 am
Wow. Thank you for writing about that even though I am sure it was difficult. I am glad you were strong enough to use what happened to look on the bright side of things and try to help other people do so as well.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:31 am
Deb: Thanks. It is a good example of how tragedy makes us stronger. We all have those experiences at some point in life. My lesson was just taught when I was young.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 11:08 am
I am crying. Damn bastard. Hugs to you for surviving and for letting it make you stronger. You did have a choice; you could just as easily have chosen to let it make you weaker. You are loved.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:33 am
gigi: *wiping your tears* This experience makes me ultra sensitive to any story in involving a child. I’ve cried for yours many times. You too are loved.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 11:18 am
Oh, man. What a story. Makes me more impressed with your strength and resilience!
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Rachel: Thanks. Crazy shit can make us stronger.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 12:49 pm
Every time I think of that story it gives me the chills. You tell it very artfully though I know it is so painful. You are definitely a survivor and more. You live life to its fullest and that is so inspiring to me. I love you so much Susan!! Never forget it.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:35 am
Suz: I love you back Suz! Fuck, I just realized that we’ve known each other for just over 20 years. That makes *you* sound so old.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 7:26 pm
Wow, that is a crazy story. I have never known anyone who has been in your position (though unfortunatly I have known several who were in Vicki’s, it destroyed their entire life). It’s now esier to see the life behind you because you do in fact know that things could be worse. Thank you for sharing.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Josh: It was my pleasure to share that…you’re welcome.
Tuesday, October 6th 2009 at 9:30 pm
I’m grateful you shared this. I hope it was cathartic and not just difficult (that’s a given). You’re an amazing woman with a crazy strong sense of life, humor and self. I’m sorry you went through this, and sorry for Vicki too, but glad you came out the other side feeling stronger.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Melinda: There are plenty of reasons in life to smile! Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for the comment.
Wednesday, October 7th 2009 at 7:15 am
OMG Susan!! Wow! I don’t even know what to say but I’m so glad this situation made you stronger and I feel for poor Vicki. Again, wow. You ARE amazing!! I feel my platonic girl crush on you just grew…
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Becky: Holy fuck, your girl crush comment made me laugh out loud! Thanks for waking me up with that.
Wednesday, October 7th 2009 at 12:45 pm
I have gotten WAY behind on my blog reading so I am just seeing this. Susan it is not everybody who can survive such a horrible ordeal and end up with a positive outlook. You are constantly amazing me. I love you girl! Thanks for sharing your story.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 8th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
Summer: Sending love your way. Glad you liked the story…you’re welcome. xo
Wednesday, October 7th 2009 at 5:18 pm
Jesus, Susan. I hadn’t ever heard the details. What a nasty, horrible man. You are a strong, beautiful woman and I’m glad that you had the courage to write about this experience.
Susan Mercedes Reply:
October 8th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Yo-cuz Amy: Are you surprised we didn’t sit around family gatherings and talk about why that creep returned me? I think we all know the answer. Okay, enough humor. Thanks for the love and support. xoxo