I was almost kidnapped as a child, AMA

I’m not sure if this is allowed - more of a reminder to parents to stay vigilant and educate your children!!

I remember the encounter vividly; like it happened yesterday. At the time I had no idea how dangerous of a situation I was in - but something in my gut just told me not to listen to the person, he just didn’t look trustworthy.

Time frame 96-97. Was vacationing up north in Ontario in cottage country with my whole family and all my aunts/uncles and cousins.

It was during the day, bright sunny day. We had a cottage rented just across from the beach.. I was alone, ~7 years old - was playing in an open creek, shallow water. It was right beside the cottage. My parents were cooking dinner and I was the only child - all my cousins were at their cottages with their families at the time.

I had my bike and I was just playing in the creek when a black van rolled up slowly - side door slid open. “Nice bike buddy” said the man, I looked up and said thanks - he was smoking a cigarette..there was 2 of them. I continued playing. “Do you wanna see my puppy?” He asked .. I walked about 3-4 feet towards the van and paused. Where is it? I said. “oh ive got him right here, he’s sleeping in the back, I don’t wanna wake him, but you can come look” .. I remember the driver looking around constantly. I inched closer and asked what kinda dog? I genuinely believe this threw him off - he wasn’t expecting this question .. he froze and started sputtering “ummm it’s a - “ before spitting out a dog breed.

Suddenly he switched the convo back to my bike. He started talking about how nice it was, if I could come to the road and show him - he “knew” some good spots to go riding if I got in the van. He would put my bike in for me. That’s when I remembered my dad saying to me “the bikes don’t fit in the car, so I had to buy this bike rack” and recalled us doing that together some days prior. I slowly started to retreat and then he jumped out of the van.

I turned around and booked it back to in front of the cottage - maybe 30-40ft, the guy got back in the van and they left. Looking back now; I never even told my parents (crazy stupid of me, but I was like 7)

PLEASE TEACH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT STRANGER DANGER.