Monday, June 04, 2007

Violation

And I'm not talking the dildocam-in-your-va-jay-jay kind of violation.

We arrived home last night around 6:45 to find that our front door wasn't pulled closed. After confirming that we did, in fact lock the door behind us earlier that day, we also saw that our inner foyer door was also open (with a bewildered Buddy standing in the foyer), and then, we saw the sight that made our hearts sink into our toes.

Our back door was wide open, with the moldings and part of the frame ripped from the plaster wall. Our house was broken into while we were gone for the afternoon.

911 was called, we were advised out of the house, and the police were there within minutes. It was a shocking site to see one of the officers draw his pistol while going up the stairs to our second floor (I hastily told him that Peachy was probably hiding under our bed), and, after the house was shown to be empty, we were allowed back inside.

Now, here is the amazing part of this whole thing-nothing was taken. Nothing. Everything was in the place (albeit messy) that we left it in that morning. My car keys were on the peg, the laptop was in its spot in the living room, Sean's tools were in the foyer. All the jewelry, mail and passports still in their hiding places. My infertility meds and sharps were still in their cupboard (gotta check for that, right?).

So, what happened, you wonder? Well, so did we. The police told us that something must have startled whoever it was and they left out the front door. It could have been the cats upstairs on the hardwood floor, a neighbor coming home (both were out for the day); whatever the reason, we were spared from the added disaster of losing valuables precious to both of us. We were also told that there has been a rash of burglaries in our neighborhood lately (and another one across town), so they would "be keeping an eye on things". Needless to say, not one police car cruised by our house last night or today. Great.

Sean spent three hours last night reinforcing the doorjam and frame with steel rods and 2-by-4's-he said that when they replaced the kitchen door they didn't really stabilize it correctly, which was why the intruder was able to smash their way through ( you can see the dent above the doorknob where it is obvious some kind of object was used). I, of course, couldn't get to sleep and finally dropped off at around 4am, after calling out of work-there was NO WAY that I was leaving the house the next morning for work.

It could have been a lot worse-we could've been in the house when it happened, or come home to find them; one of us could've been hurt. So, we're thankful for that. However, that feeling of being violated is something that is harder to shake. I no longer feel safe. I loathe the fact that someone forced their way into our home with the intention of stealing our things. I'm bitter and angry that I'm now fearful of being here alone, or at night.

So, after Sean finishes the bathroom this week, we're cleaning out the basement, and putting the house up for sale (probably within the next month or so). We've been batting the idea around for awhile (in fact, yesterday afternoon we were talking about how we were willing to wait until next year to move, to allow more time to fix up the house and find something new that we really want), but now, this break-in is the catalyst we needed to get our asses in gear.

Time for a change. Not the change we hoped for, but perhaps it will lead to better things for us, all around.

18 comments:

Cajun Cutie said...

After I finished college (the first time) I was working at a transitional job at a Bakery outside of new Orleans. One night around 8 o'clock a guy came in and robbed me at Gun point. It was a few weeks before I was able to sleep like a normal person. I kept thinking he would just show up at my house(ridiculous I know). I think that moving is a great idea. It will give you back that sense of security and safety that you need. P.S. Good luck with the med cycle.

Just-Me said...

Just wanted to say that I love your blog. Have been reading for a while. Your writing style is comical...always cheers me up, you should write articles for magazines!(yes, i'm serious) I know good things are coming your way. Can't wait to read about them. Sorry to hear about the break-in..must be shocking to say the least...moving is probably a good idea.

Melissa said...

That really sucks. I'm so sorry that happened! I can't imagine what it would feel like to have that happen. I hope you get the move worked out easily.

Nickie said...

Wow. I'm glad to hear that no one (including the cats) got hurt. So sorry this happened. Makes me want to set our alarm system everytime I leave the house.

I think a new environment might be just what you need. Good luck with your house search - hope this one sells quickly.

Ali said...

Wow. How awful. I'm so sorry! I'm glad they didn't take any of your stuff - especially something sentimental!

Mary Ellen and Steve said...

That's awful. I am so sorry that happened.

OHN said...

When I was a teen our house was broken into and only MY room was trashed. The police thought it must be someone looking for drugs (tho not the IF kind;) since my room was obviously one of a teenager. The thing that really grossed me out was that they dumped all my underwear on the floor. I refused to ever wear those again and forced my mom to go by me new ones--lol. Violation is an awful feeling!!

Shelli said...

oh honey.

I love you,
S

Anonymous said...

What an awful feeling! I hope the house sells quickly for you and you find comfort in a new place.

Anonymous said...

Ack. That's super scary. I'm sorry it happened. Here's to lightening not striking twice.

Jessica said...

WOW how very scary, I would feel the same way- and I hope the move ends up being a good fresh start for you and all goes smoothly on that end.

Bast said...

Crap I'm so sorry that happened S. Glad you and all are ok including the furballs.

I hope you sell that house and buy something even swankier.

*kiss kiss*

Melzie said...

Oh gosh-- thankfully you weren't home, and that nothing was taken. So many blessings. Good luck with the sale of your home, and finding a new one.

Carol said...

ugh. that's just awful, I can understand you wanting to move.

LIW (Lady In Waiting) said...

WOW! That's tough to deal with. I know that I would also feel violated. But, like you said, maybe this is just what you needed to make a move that is really right for you right now...

Glad that everyone was safe and that you didn't lose anything!

Anonymous said...

How scarey, thank goodness nothing was taken.

Roxanne said...

Oh my goodness! That sucks! I am so sorry. I am so paranoid about break ins that I sleep with my bedroom door locked. :(

Joy said...

Son of a bitch. You know, my house got robbed when I was 8. And still, if I come home and the door is open, my little hairs stand up and I think "SHIT. Check and see if the VCR is still here."
I don't even HAVE a VCR anymore (we're all digital now) but because when I was 8, that was the first thing I saw that was gone, I go STRAIGHT back there in my mind.

I nearly killed my dad a few years ago because he'd come over while I wasn't home.. left the door open. He was in my office using my computer but there were no lights on and no noise. So I came creeping in (careful not to touch anything in case of finger prints) and went straight around to check for the VCR. Out of nowhere he says "Hey kiddo!" and I seriously nearly pissed myself. Took 30 minutes for my heart rate to slow down again.

Innocence lost.. even now.. 24 years later.