TexasCHLforum.com

Having had my first "CHL moment" (even though I never showed/produced my pistol) involve two adults fighting over possession of child, I made sure both parties knew I was calling 911 and I made sure both parties saw me watching them and talking into my cell phone. From the standpoint of having to make tough decisions I got lucky. The kid was "released" and she got back in the original car I saw her in. If the guy that had put her in his car had successfully tried to take the girl out of the parking lot maybe it would be harder for me. I do believe that huge portions of the kidnapping type folks are not even going to want attention or descriptions of themselves running around. Maybe I just let myself feel better by saying that. I think letting that guy see that he is being video taped (no tape, I know) on your phone, or the like, is going to make a real perp start second guessing his actions. If it’s a stepdad, he’s just going to regret the embarrassment but he isn’t going to bolt.

Granted, the guy in my story turned his anger towards me when he realized he was dealing with 911 and descriptions, etc but that is the part about deciding how much risk you want to take on. I kept cars and gas pumps between us and he eventually left. I can't even imagine what would have happened had I drawn. Far too many lovers/friends/spouses turn on those trying to help them when they think that their SO is being threatened.

How much of ourselves to risk when kids are involved is much, much more intense for me than situations or what-ifs not involving kids.