Getting Nervous

[lisi]

I know I'm daft but as we fly on 3 October I am starting to get really worried. Last year I got attacked in International Drive and had a bag snatch - I detailed this on here when I came home. Was Ok until I got back to UK then went into shock. I have put it all behind me though and got over it but son decided we ought to come back again this year but to another part of Florida so we are going to the Gulf Coast. I never even thought about the mugging until just lately when I can't get it out of my mind. I know it's daft and unlikely to happen to me again but I am getting quite upset and the incident keeps recurring in my mind in technicolour. I absolutely love Florida and this will be my 5th time and I am really so looking forward to it. I don't want my silly thoughts spoiling the anticipation and the holiday.

Anyone been in the same frame of mind? Appreciate any tips

Lisi

[Ray&Sarah]

Hi Lisi, we are sure you will have a wonderful time, if you have been 4 times before and it was onlly on your last visit that you had a problem then the chance are you are unlikely to have a problem this time. We have been to the Gulf coast twice, both times were great holidays with alot of happy memories. Try not to let this one bad experience cloud your thoughts, we know this is easier said than done but think positive. You are going to have a fantastic holiday, trip report when you get back.[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

[LiesaAnna]

hi, can see why your worried, but you mustn't let these B******* ruin your life, its for living get out there and live!!!!!!!!!
we are all very jealous and wish we were going soon, hope you have a fantastic time and cant wait for your trip report
thinking of you

[Cruella DeVilla]

The Gulf coast is brill, you will have a great time. As for the bag snatcher, what goes around comes around, maybe they will run in front of a bus next time they attack some one and run off!

[Nostromo]

Lisi, October is a great time to go and I am sure you will all enjoy yourselves to the full. It is perfectly natural to develop a psychological barrier after an unpleasant experience like yours. But I am sure it was a one-off incident and you must have been terribly unlucky. Orlando is a very safe place compared to, say, London. Just think of the great risk of being attacked and robbed in London - would that stop you from going there if you had to? There is some truth in the old proverb that Lightning does not strike in the same place twice and that is certainly true with Orlando.

In fact, when this trip goes smmothly you may even find it therapeutic, dispelling all your fears about going back to Orlando. Have a wonderful time.

[lisi]

Thanks for all that and I totally agree. funny thing is that it hadn't bothered me any more until now! I thought it was firmly in the back of my mind but I intend to have a great time come what may and I am sure I will still want to visit Florida again

Lisi

[daxon]

I've had a few nasty things happen to me over the years & I've found that there's always something around to remind me of them (even watching a film the other night!) Anniversaries of events are the worst but I find that its the anticipation of them thats worse rather than the actual time itself. Its easy for people to say dont worry, forget it but its not quite the same in reality is it? Keep talking about it to those around you if you feel the need & im sure that very soon you will realise you've had such a good time, you've managed to push things firmly back to where they belong (at the back of your mind!!) Have a wonderful time!!

[lisi]

Thanks for that Dawn. I think I surprised myself at suddenly bringing everything to the front of my mind if you know what I mean. It was pretty awful at the time and I suffered lacerations and stitches but I never felt threatened at all in Orlando - in fact always felt safe each time I have visited various places in Florida. I was just unlucky. I truly thought it was dead and buried, but talking about it on here is helping me and I am starting to get more excited now.

Lisi

[LiesaAnna]

maybe thats what you needed like counselling, talking about really it does help, been there for personnal reasons that wont interest you lot, but it did help me, now you can bury the bad and get on with your lovely holiday and write a diary so we can have extracts when you get back

[lisi]

Thanks Liesa - I was offered counselling when I came home but managed without it. The incident happened 3 days before we flew home - my son was traumatised at the time to see me face down on the pavement pouring blood, but i coped until I got home inside the house and promptly went into shock for a week. Then I put it all behind me - even when the State Attorney's office wanted me to fly back for the trial, I didn't panic. The family were not keen for me to come back and re-open the wounds so I didn't and the attacker's case was dismissed. I stopped even thinking about it and it has only this last week been an issue and I couldn't understand why. But thanks to all of you I shall try and not worry now and am starting to look onward and upward and know I shall have a thumping good time[msnsmile2]

Lisi