I was just 21, a transplant in Manhattan, 4:30 on a Friday afternoon. ( I was) Walking down east 79th street crossing over to 82nd at 2nd Ave. I felt that I was being followed but ignored my intuition. Getting closer to the double-entry door of my apartment building I heard, chanting “it’s pay day, it’s pay day…” I never looked back. I opened the first set of doors and saw the reflection of two young much bigger boys entering behind me. I put my key for the lock door away. I had a shoulder bag and an old-fashioned umbrella, the kind with a long metal pointy stick on the end.
I remember asking or saying something like, “you don’t belong here.” They wanted me to open the door. Instead, I rang every apartment bell. No one answered. The boys pulled out knives and lunged towards me in the small Lobby. All I had was the umbrella which I held tightly while trying to stab at them. I got one in the crotch. Both were off and running. My fear caused me to leave a budding career and NYC. I took self-defense prior to this event which I believe saved my life. A gun would have spoken much sooner with less trauma to me.
I’m still a small petite lady under 5 feet. Other incidents have happened since that time. At 67, I realize a gun may be my best defense as be well as be very aware of my surroundings.
Women's Survival Story Entry Form
Although not often seen in the news, many women have stories of using or possessing a gun in their self defense. Women who found themselves in very scary, life threatening situations and lived to share their stories because they were Well Armed Women; Empowered, Smart & Strong.These stories of courage are very inspiring to women all across the country, would you be willing to share yours?
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