SOLC17 25/31 Thanks for the March Slice of Life challenge with the Two Writing Teachers community. Today I also celebrate with Ruth Ayres and others at Discover Play Build. It's a good way to end the week sharing our celebrations.
When a hard thing happens, sometimes it's equally hard to celebrate. Over the recent months, my neighborhood has had several cars stolen, and a couple of break-ins. One happened about three weeks ago, on a Saturday afternoon! It was sunny, people were out and about walking dogs, visiting neighbors, and kids were playing. I actually saw them, a group of what seemed to be young boys who were running by but in the middle of my front yard. I had gone to get a drink of water and glanced out the window. I didn't think anything but "silly teenagers". They might have been older than teens, but that's what I thought. A couple of hours later my group neighborhood e-mail posted that these boys had broken into the home about a block away, kicked in the side door, did some damage inside, but took nothing. The woman who lives there later shared that she was out and had her laptop with her, owns no TV, so there wasn't much evidently that they wanted except "quick" grabs. Or perhaps it was a dare?
I've spent all my life NOT being scared of anything, of staying alone, etc. But this was so brazen, and there has been enough other activity that I've been a little anxious. And I've also felt angry that this has occurred that changed my attitude. So, I don't keep the negative feelings long if I can do something about them. I bought a few inexpensive things that made me feel better, like those tools that fit under the doorknobs, and I had sticks that fit better in my slider windows. It's helped a lot!
And I celebrate that this coming week new security storm doors are being installed in the front and side doors. My daughter has used this company. They've been very good to work with in helping me choose a door I can count on being as safe as possible.
It's challenging to make all the decisions by myself sometimes, and also it seems like my list of things to do that I really had not foreseen grows. SO, when things do happen, and when I do have to deal with that thing, I celebrate that I did, and solved a problem.
Linda, I'm so sorry that this happened in your neighborhood. But I applaud your "can do" positive attitude that always shows you dealing with whatever life hands you and solving problems.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm glad too, but still it's so disheartening to have to do it.
DeleteI am sorry this happened. Not letting fear take over and instead taking action yourself - way to go. I hope the boys will be caught, they learn a lesson and your neighborhood becomes calm and peaceful again.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, too, Terje. As for me, the doors will help and I won't worry about it anymore.
DeleteSo glad you could take steps to continue to feel safe and find the celebration even in a hard time. Thanks for showing us how we can be strong.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Diane. I'm grateful too that there is a solution that helps.
DeleteYikes, your post makes me stop and think...it's a reminder that perhaps I should think about my own safety and my own doors. I'm sending virtual hugs and smiles as your doors protect.
ReplyDeleteOh Anita, I hope I've not made you worry. Your situation may be very different. Thanks for the wishes.
DeleteI have a dread about that issue. Nothing to fear in reality but it's in the back of my head. I love where I live because the river and the woods are right outside the door but we are a bit isolated on this side of the complex. So far, all good.
ReplyDeleteSo horrible for you friend. Good thing you're making some changes for protection.
Bonnie
Thanks, Bonnie, I wish you well as you think about your own situation. There's just enough going on that this time I didn't want to ignore it any longer. I'll be glad to have those doors!
DeleteI celebrate with you that you made all those decisions!! A break-in is very unnerving! And it is such an awful violation when it happens to you, even when nothing has been taken. And scary when they are there and you return. Since our home is 3 levels with lots of windows and 4 outside entrances, we installed alarms for each level. It's NOT connected to a security service but will alert us to someone's presence... and hopefully scare them away. We've also connect it to my daughter's house who lives nearby. I sleep much better at night knowing the alarm will blare out if someone intrudes on a lower level. Also when we come home or our kids check our house, we aren't concerned about someone hiding somewhere in the house. Sometimes we forget to turn a level off and when we go down the stairs it sets off a deafening alarm that scares me! Hugs to you today!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Alice. I considered an alarm system, but think the doors will be all that's needed. I'm glad you have something that helps your peace of mind.
DeleteI am so sorry this happened, Linda. It is sad the direction the world has taken. As kids we never thought much of locking doors during the day because we were always in and out. Gals yu found things that give you a sense of added security.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It does mean change, and while I like most changes, not this one!
DeleteI am impressed with your problem solving abilities. So hard that you have to deal with this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie, I may not like it, but am grateful I can.
DeleteI get this. An action that can turn you fearful or angry. It rocks you. It tests you. I celebrate your strength. smarts and just do it nature. It becomes you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julieanne. I'm glad to be 'doing' something about it.
DeleteIt is so scary when things like that hit so close to home (literally). A few years ago, my neighbors's home was robbed -- on a Sunday afternoon while I was outside working in the garden. I should have seen it, but the trees blocked their driveway. It certainly made me more conscious of safety. I'm glad to hear you are getting new security storm doors. Stay safe, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Jennifer. Yes, I'll be happy to have the doors!
DeleteIt is so disappointing when people behave in this way. I'm glad you will have the extra security of the the strong doors.
ReplyDeleteMe, too! And yes, It's been upsetting and sad to think that it's all they have to do is damage! Thanks, Elsie.
DeleteOh, how frightening, the brazen mid-day nature of this! Just terrible! Sounds like you are "keeping on, keeping on" - making changes that will hopefully give you some peace. I hope these young men are caught!
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'll be happy to have the doors!
DeleteI'm sorry you've had to deal with these scares, Linda. The steps you've taken sound sensible, and hopefully will ease your mind. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catherine, I am pleased by the doors on their way!
DeleteWow! This is unbelievable! I'm glad you are taking steps to make yourself feel safer!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol!
DeleteI celebrate your problem solving skills, Linda. It is difficult to have to leave in fear of robbery. We had a bike stolen from our garage and the thought of someone being that close to me in the night is frightful. We know have a security system that we often trip but it is good to know that it works. On Long Island everyone I know has a security alarm.
ReplyDeleteOur bikes were stolen a long time ago at my other house, but we had left the garage's side door unlocked, kind of blamed ourselves, too. I know how you felt-ugh! I considered an alarm, but feel comfortable with these doors. Thanks, Carol.
DeleteI am so impressed how you're using this as a way to celebrate your problem solving instead of railing against the bad behavior of others.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy, it's just something I do to make my life good, try to look at the bright side always.
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