It’s a pretty creepy feeling. Yesterday our house was broken into, ransacked, and burglarized. As I write this, I’m at the end of a long day of picking up the pieces. I’m exhausted and I have a lot left to do.
Our thief must have watched as Rich, Wally, and I had lunch on the deck. When I went back to work and Rich and Wally left shortly thereafter, he must have expected to have the house to himself for a while, because that’s when he made his move. However, Rich returned in an hour and surprised him in the act. Our thief escaped out the back door and through the woods before Rich entered the house.
How much can a guy do in an hour? Well, he can tear your whole house apart. He can scatter your family photographs and keepsakes and underwear from here to Kingdom Come. He can open every drawer and cupboard and sweep the contents onto the floor. He can trample your clothes with dirty footprints. He can take your very own suitcases, backpacks, and grocery tote bags from the closets and fill them with your belongings. He can invade your sanctuary, thoroughly violate your personal space, and rip away your sense of peace and security.
He can make a mess of your stamp room. I don’t know what he thought he might find of value in there, but every inch of it was turned upside down and inside out.
I haven’t begun to clean it yet. There’s so much to do in every room.
In his haste to depart he left evidence -- his jacket laying on my stamp room floor, and a bloody t-shirt in the guest room. Outside we found another t-shirt, more blood, and some footprints by a broken window. Today I noticed a sock (not one of ours) caught on the chain link fence out back.
Our loss was minimal, thank goodness. The police say he’s not likely to return, but I can’t shake the feeling of being watched.
I probably won’t be stamping for a while, but I do have a few things already finished which I’ll share later. Just thought I’d check in with the latest happenings around the Miller residence. Back to the clean up, now. Take care!
You must feel complete violated! My Mom always told me "do not be a creature of habit". You can be watched and not even realize it. I'm so sorry this has happened and you are in my thoughts & prayers as you try and put the pieces of your lives back in order!
Posted by: Glenda | 08/03/2011 at 04:01 AM
I am so sorry about your break in!! That is very frighting, to say the least! I can imagine your
feelings of being violated. I will surely keep you
in my thoughts.
Posted by: Joanna McDonald | 08/03/2011 at 04:25 AM
I feel so badly for you Leslie because I know exactly what are going through because it happened to us back when my kids were around 11 and 15 years old. The person that broke into our house was basically after money and ended up finding the money that we had recently set aside to go school clothes shopping for the kids, plus he took valuable coin collections that both kids had, AND my husband's wedding ring, which on his part was a bad thing because that is how he was captured, sitting in a bar, spending OUR money with my husband's wedding band on! It will definitely take you some time to feel safe and comfortable in your home again, but that day will come. So sorry that this had to happen to you and your family.
Posted by: Judy Covey | 08/03/2011 at 04:25 AM
Searching through underwear is one thing, but violating your stamp room is definitely over the top! Thankful that nobody was hurt, except him. Hopefully, he'll be caught before he robs someone else. So sorry you had this happen.
Posted by: Doris | 08/03/2011 at 04:45 AM
So sorry, Leslie. I pray that you can deal with this in due time. Not easy at all.
Posted by: Jayne | 08/03/2011 at 04:46 AM
I'm so sorry. I'm so glad Wally's ok. I always worry that someone will break in when my dog's there. I'm glad Wally was out and safe.
Posted by: Nimue | 08/03/2011 at 04:47 AM
I am sooooo sorry to hear this.
Posted by: Sandy O | 08/03/2011 at 05:05 AM
I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family. I'm glad you are okay. I will keep you in my prayers. Take as much time as you need. I really feel bad for you. Sending hugs.
Jacky
Posted by: Jacky | 08/03/2011 at 05:11 AM
OMGosh, I am SO sorry! that is awful. I'm still picking my jaw up off the floor. What a violation of your life! It has to feel so creepy to know a stranger, bad at that, was in your home going through your belongings. UGH. I feel so much sympathy for you! I'll be thinking of you, and hoping for your peace and safety. Big hugs to you, and thank goodness you and yours are at least safe from physical harm. Blessings to you!
Posted by: diane mcvey | 08/03/2011 at 05:12 AM
Oh my goodness, Leslie...that's awful! Ewww, what a creepy feeling, and what the heck was he doing with your suitcases,...and your craft room?!!! This was one desperate person! I'm so thankful no one was harmed in any way - that, of course, is the main thing. I'm sure it will take time to recover from thinking you're being watched and feeling so very violated. I'm so sorry and I'll pray for a quick feeling of normalcy to return for all of you. Wish I could help - that mess sounds overwhelming. Hugs to you,
Posted by: Karen W. | 08/03/2011 at 05:17 AM
Oh my this is so scary, I don't blame you for being freaked out!! I"m glad no one was hurt and I hope all valuables are ok.
Posted by: Karen Wallace | 08/03/2011 at 05:22 AM
So, so Sorry! Must be very upsetting. I know what I felt like when we had a pickup and a 4-wheeler (two different occasions) stolen from our property. They didn't try to come in our home-thanks goodness- and we did find our vehicles but not the person who took them.
Wishing you peace in the days to come...........
Posted by: Bev J. | 08/03/2011 at 05:23 AM
Father, I pray that you will surround the Miller family and give them the peace that only you can give. Help them to move past this horrible event and lean on you. Be with each member so they can once again feel safe in their own home. Your will be done.
Hugs and Prayers to you Leslie,
Sue
Posted by: bensarmom | 08/03/2011 at 05:33 AM
I'm so sorry. I can understand how violated you and your family must feel I'm glad Wally was gone or he might have got hurt.
Posted by: Jerry (female) | 08/03/2011 at 05:34 AM
This , too, happened to my daughter and her young family. The youngest still is cautious entering an empty house 5 years later! It takes time to feel safe again. I am so sorry for you and your family.
Posted by: Karen R (ON/CA) | 08/03/2011 at 05:42 AM
Oh my goodness, Leslie! I can only imagine how you must feel! But thank God you are all safe and unharmed.
Posted by: Michelle Rodgers | 08/03/2011 at 05:49 AM
I have never had my house invaded but our rental car on vacation. My brother had his house burglarized, his Golden was home and layed on the bed in terror. They took his safe that weighed 300 pounds, all the wrapped Christmas presents under the tree and other things. He then put in a security alarm. Hope you get things straightened out and can recover mentally.
Posted by: Betty | 08/03/2011 at 05:49 AM
There is nothing more I can add that hasn't already been said. Just know you, your husband and Wally are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry this has happened
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 08/03/2011 at 05:56 AM
I am so sorry that you have had to go through this! I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Inky hugs,
Janet
Posted by: Janet Swofford | 08/03/2011 at 05:57 AM
Oh my! My thoughts go out to you! Nothing worse than feeling like you're being watched. Ick. Be safe and take care.
Posted by: Laurie U | 08/03/2011 at 05:58 AM
OMG!!! This is a horrible thing to happen. I am just happy none of your family was hurt. Material items can always be replaced --- your husband and Wally cannot. Little confused on him having 2 t-shirts on.... And losing a sock???? Hopefully, the police will find him --- and soon.
Posted by: Michelle Arthur | 08/03/2011 at 06:07 AM
We went through the same thing some time back. Thank goodness we were out of town but what a feeling of violation to think that someone went through my underwear drawer and touched my clothes. I threw everything out since I simply could not stand the thought of wearing it again. What a blessing that no one was at home at your house. I hate to say it but Golden's are not watchdogs. We used to tell people that our 2 goldens would probably help the burglar carry the stuff out if they patted them on the head! Glad you are OK.
Posted by: Patsy Behrendt | 08/03/2011 at 06:19 AM
oh my g-d Leslie. My heart goes out to you. I'm fortunate that it's never happened to me, but I can feel you sense of invasion, your sense of well being bein lost for a while. Now the work of putting it back together. Stay strong. Know you'll be in my thoughts.
Take care Yogi
Posted by: yogi | 08/03/2011 at 06:21 AM
Oh Leslie, that's horrible. A nightmare come true. I am glad nobody, including Wally, was hurt. What a mess and how frightening. My cousin had her house broken into and the next day called an alarm company because she just didn't feel safe. I think everyone has that same feeling afterwards. I'm lucky. I've never had that experience and hope I never do. Years ago a friend of mine who lived on a main road, left to go pick her kids up from school. She got back home around 3:00pm to find her living room window broken, her front door opened, and all of her furniture gone. Broad daylight in a residential area, on a main road. The neighbors said a moving truck pulled into her driveway. They didn't think that was suspicious? Nobody called the police. Can you imagine that!! She sold her house and moved to Upstate NY. I live in Suffolk County on Long Island in NY. Do whatever it takes to make yourself feel safe and secure in your home again. Don't let that piece of crap take that away from you because that will be TWICE you were violated.
Posted by: LorraineB | 08/03/2011 at 06:28 AM
Keeping you in thoughts and prayers...I know it will be a long time before you feel normal again. So happy none of you were hurt!
Posted by: Chris Franco | 08/03/2011 at 06:40 AM
I'm so sorry! What an awful, violating feeling. I'm so glad everyone is safe, but I'm sorry you have to clean up the mess and deal with the fallout.
Posted by: Bonnie | 08/03/2011 at 06:43 AM
I was so sad to hear about the break in and so glad that no one was hurt. You're in our prayers.
Posted by: Anne | 08/03/2011 at 06:46 AM
Oh Leslie, I'm just sick to read this morning what happened to you. I know intellectually that it can happen to anybody, anytime, but nobody can appreciate how devastating it is psychologically and emotionally unless it actually happens to them. I can only hope our luck holds out, but there have been recent break-ins in our neighborhood. The one good thing is that you, Rich and Wally were not physically harmed. I sure hope the police are successful in getting that scumbag. Meanwhile, my thoughts are with you as you and Rich go through the painful task of putting the pieces back together. Linda
Posted by: Linda Bullard | 08/03/2011 at 06:47 AM
Leslie, I feel your pain. I've actually had my home invaded 3 times. The first time the thief just came in an open window during the night while I slept and stole my purse for the money which was sitting right there. I should have been smart and gotten a burglar alarm then, but didn't until I was broken into again some years later during the daytime while I was at work and all my electronics were taken and the house ransacked. They took a pillowcase and put the carriable stuff in there like my costume jewelry which included my High School charm bracelet and other items that had a sentimental value - nothing worth any real money. They even took a teaspoon and a gallon of ice cream that was in the freezer! The burglar alarm didn't stop someone though because 2 years ago I was broken into again during the time I was at work and even with the alarm going off the thief managed to ransack my house a little bit and make off with my laptop that was sitting on my desk. It is a terrible feeling and I keep my house locked up tight and window locked all the time even when I'm home. You don't ever feel the same, but you have to put it behind you or you'll never have any peace of mind again. Hugs to you and your family.
Posted by: Margaret | 08/03/2011 at 06:51 AM
I just can't imagine...I'm glad no one was hurt, but this doesn't help the turmoil that is going on now in your life. Our thoughts are with you and I hope they catch the thief!!
Posted by: Kraftyaunt | 08/03/2011 at 06:51 AM
I feel for you.....I am getting parnoid about going anywhere anymore...not so much worried about our "stuff", but about someone taking or hurting our "Nellie"......but years ago, in my first marriage when I had our first son, we were broken into and they had been thru everything..it's very much being violated.....I am afraid we will all be seeingmuch more of it due to job loss and Michigan's economy...I just am very happy that Wally wasn't there and harmed!!
Posted by: Diane Hover | 08/03/2011 at 06:56 AM
Big hugs honey. I know you are still scared and that is natural. Wish I could help you clean up. Still praying for you guys. Take it one day at a time. hugs...
Posted by: Stacy aka Twinshappy | 08/03/2011 at 07:18 AM
Wow, Leslie, words are just not enough, so sorry this has happened. Thanks God no one was hurt. Wish I could be there to help you pick up the mess. Praying God gives you peace and comfort. Blessings
Posted by: Jackie W | 08/03/2011 at 07:22 AM
Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear that terrible news, I can't imagine how awful and scary, but I am glad that everyone is OK. Take care.
Posted by: Tracy | 08/03/2011 at 07:30 AM
Oh Leslie! I'm so very sorry this has happened to you and Rich. I can't even begin to imagine what this feels like for it's never happened to us . . . But it's something I've always worried about. I'm sending you huge hugs and if you want, a martini!
Posted by: Sherry cheever | 08/03/2011 at 07:31 AM
Oh Leslie - I'm so sorry!!! What a horrible thing to have happen to you. I can understand the feeling of being watched and violated. It will take some time, but you will eventually regain your sense of security in your own home. My prayers are with you and Rich and Wally.
Posted by: Lynette | 08/03/2011 at 07:32 AM
Oh this is just awful, I know each of us feel your pain and frustraction right now and we would all be at your door to help clean up and give you a big hug. So sad that there are people in this world who have no respect for other people.
Love Hugs and Prays
karol
Posted by: Karol | 08/03/2011 at 07:33 AM
Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear about this. When your home or car is broken into you feel violated and it takes a while to get over that. All of us who read your blog are hoping things will get better for you and we will keep you in our prayers.
Posted by: Marian Bonney | 08/03/2011 at 07:36 AM
Oh Leslie - I'm so sorry to hear this! Yes we were burglarized about 8-10 years ago right in the middle of the day. I know what a sick feeling it is to come home to...and how that feeling lingers. We got an alarm system the next day! Please feel free to e-mail or call me if you just want to chat (or vent) with someone who can fully relate. In our case they didn't touch anything in my stamp room - thank God becuase our macaws were in there. That's the first place I ran to - to be sure they were ok. I was so thankful that they weren't harmed - I tried my best to focus on that. Huge HUGS to you my friend! Huge Hugs!
Posted by: Jami Sibley | 08/03/2011 at 07:37 AM
Leslie ~
I'm so so sorry to hear of this.Unfortunately it brings back a flood of heartbreaking memories from when this happen to us. The positive is you were not home and didn't get hurt. In time you will move past it. I'll be praying that you can soon get over this despicable act, and regain your "normal"life. I understand how difficult it is.
{{{HUGS}}} Jean S ~
Posted by: Jean Staples | 08/03/2011 at 07:48 AM
Hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Posted by: Linda E | 08/03/2011 at 07:53 AM
Sorry to hear about the break in, thanking God that no one was hurt praying that God will restore your peace and peace of mind.
Posted by: karen mills | 08/03/2011 at 08:10 AM
Oh Leslie...I am so sorry! It is beyond me because I've never had the experience, of course. I know that the violated feeling with stay with you for a long time, but I do hope you will soon find peace.
Posted by: Evelyn in Oregon | 08/03/2011 at 08:29 AM
Oh ((((Leslie)))), how terribly frightening!! Thank God you are all safe, and that your loss was minimal! I'm so sorry this happened to you, and pray that the evidence left behind will help authorities find the guy. Sending BIG hugs!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 08/03/2011 at 08:37 AM
Thinking of you as you put all the "pieces" back together.
Charmaine
Posted by: Charmaine | 08/03/2011 at 09:01 AM
Oh my goodness. This just makes me sick to my stomach. I am SO sorry. It is hard to even imagine the feelings of violation and devastation.
Posted by: Beth | 08/03/2011 at 09:08 AM
Wow that was not what I expected to read and my heart just raced as I read what had happened. Thankfully no one was hurt. God is still in control and even though you feel violated just call on Him for the peace you need. Big Hugs from me to you and your family.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | 08/03/2011 at 09:09 AM
I am so sorry to hear about the break in. I am glad not very much was taken but it's still a very unsettling feeling to have something like this happen. I hope he is caught.
Posted by: Monica | 08/03/2011 at 09:25 AM
Oh Leslie, I am so sorry to read this, I can not even imagine. Thanking God today for you and your familys safety. I hope they catch him soon to give you some peace of mind. Hugz n blessings.
Posted by: renee | 08/03/2011 at 09:33 AM
I know just how you feel, Leslie. Awful, isn't it? We had the same experience years ago. It was three kids, never caught even with police and a dog. They were amateurs and ran off when my husband returned unexpectedly. Here in this small town where we live now there have been 20 invasions in one month. I have always kept my doors locked during the day since my daughter was 5 and a little girl was kidnapped in Seattle when she opened the front door. When we are on the patio, all the other doors are locked. And vice-versa. Hang in there, Leslie. No one was hurt and "things" can be replaced eventually. It is a terrible feeling to be so violated. Extra hugs all around.
Posted by: Mildred | 08/03/2011 at 09:45 AM
So sorry this had to happen. Just glad that you are all uninjured. The feeling of security may take a while to recover from. Thinking of you and your family.
Posted by: Karen Ilsley | 08/03/2011 at 09:47 AM
Oh no I am so sorry to hear this, what a terrible feeling and to have everything just torn apart like that, I can't imagine what kind of a person it takes to just disregard a persons home. I hope with all the evidence he left behind that the police will be able to track him down soon and give you a little peace of mind, I can only imagine what you must be feeling, just so glad he decided to run instead of confronting your husband. I pray that God can bring you some peace through all of this soon.
Posted by: conniecrafter | 08/03/2011 at 10:01 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this miserable time. Thankfully no one was hurt. I understand that it takes time before you feel secure again. But you will. Thinking of you all.
Posted by: Frances | 08/03/2011 at 10:03 AM
I am a frequent visitor to your blog and just wanted to say how sorry I am that this has happened to your life!
Posted by: Pat | 08/03/2011 at 10:15 AM
Yikes Leslie! That's scary! I hope that you're able to clean up the mess. Hopefully the police will locate the person who did this. Thinking of you!
Posted by: Allison Cope | 08/03/2011 at 10:47 AM
Leslie, I am so sorry to hear about your home invasion.
If there is a bright side to all of this, it is that no one
was injured. I'm sure that it will take quite some time
for you to feel "safe" again and to clean up the mess. I
hope that the thief is caught...perhaps forensics will help
in this matter. Keeping you, Rich and Wally in my thoughts
and prayers for a brighter, happier tomorrow.
Posted by: Sherry in MI | 08/03/2011 at 10:55 AM
Oh that's horrible!! I'm positive you feel very violated. I'm glad Wally wasn't there or he may have been hurt. I can understand how it still feels creepy. Sending big hugs, Dear Friend.
Posted by: SueB | 08/03/2011 at 10:58 AM
Leslie, how horrible!!! Sorry that this happened to you. Praying that you will feel God's peace!!!
Posted by: Misti | 08/03/2011 at 11:15 AM
Oh Leslie, I am so sorry. I was horrified as I read what happened to you. So scary. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Debbie W. | 08/03/2011 at 11:16 AM
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry that this happened to you and your family. You must just be overwhelmed and I want you to know that we are all thinking of all of you. Hugs!!!
Posted by: Maureen Chandler | 08/03/2011 at 11:55 AM
I truly wish I could come by and help you clean up, and give you all a warm hug! What an awful experience.....at the very least you are all safe....he'll get his just desserts, in the end!
Posted by: Anne-Marie | 08/03/2011 at 01:09 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about the break-in, but glad no one was physically hurt. Take care..big hugs!
Posted by: Cheryl Lea | 08/03/2011 at 01:34 PM
I feel terrible for you. It's not just the violation of your families private sanctuary but I'm like you, you can't help but think -are you being watched still? It doesn't just cause the anger and feeling of being a victim but also the sub-contious
that suffers even in the sleeping hours. That's why(gun advocates or not) my husband and I keep a shotgun loaded and will use it if need be. Not to keep someone from stealing things-but to protect our lives-the things are replaceable-our lives are not. Any person comng on your property especially at night, deserves fair warning that you have a loaded gun on them and if they choose to proceed and not flee then I would assume that they mean me harm-so they
will be the loser. I only fear that more of these home invasions are going to keep escalating as the economy gets worse.
God be with you and prayers are going out to you and your family.
Pam
Posted by: pam k | 08/03/2011 at 01:55 PM
Leslie, my heart goes out to you to have to deal with someone's violence to your personal space. Thank goodness your husband came home which meant the damage could have been worse. So glad neither he or Wally were hurt. I just can't comprehend why people feel they have the right to break into someone's home. When I was burglarized, I felt so violated for a long time. I wouldn't open a window, double checked my doors all the time, installed an alarm, put sensor lights at my front door, etc. I washed everything I thought the person had touched. Hang in there and be safe. Sending you lots of hugs and care.
Shirley L.
Roseville, CA
Posted by: Shirley L. | 08/03/2011 at 02:30 PM
So sorry, Leslie. What an awful thing to go through. My prayers will be with you and your husband and Wally. I hope you can find some comfort together. Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Dolson | 08/03/2011 at 03:09 PM
I'm sorry such a nice person as you, and your tranquil sanctuary as well, were violated by the burglary. So glad no one was hurt! You have my completel empathy on the journey back towards feeling safe and peaceful, because it will eventually happen. I speak from experience because I, too, have been burglarized (they took my suitcases also, and a couple of sodas from the fridge, too), as well as my car stolen. People have problems and act badly towards others - either karma or God will need to take care of them. Bless you all!
Posted by: lynne malinowski | 08/03/2011 at 03:21 PM
I'm so sorry this horrid thing has happened to you. Hope your journey back to peace and tranquillity is swift. It's so sad that horrible things happen to nice people.
Posted by: Sue | 08/03/2011 at 03:40 PM
Also keeping you in my prayers.
Posted by: Sherylee | 08/03/2011 at 03:53 PM
Leslie, I am so very sorry that this has happended to you. You did not mention but I am glad that Wally is safe and he did not harm him. BLessings and hugs to you all....
Posted by: Kelley | 08/03/2011 at 03:56 PM
Oh, I know exactly how you feel. My present house was broken in to just prior to my moving in. I have never put the screen back in that window, it is too hidden and could be a source again of trouble. So thankful no one was hurt, but so sorry for your troubles!
Posted by: Eileen M | 08/03/2011 at 04:01 PM
Leslie I am so sorry to read your sickening news. Try to be thankful that no one was injured. Believe the police when they say 'he WON'T be back' - those people seldom if ever return. Yes, it is a scary experience for you BUT mostly these incidents ARE random, NOT, NOT, NOT planned. I pray you will know complete peace soon.
God bless you both.
Posted by: Mary Mac | 08/03/2011 at 04:04 PM
So sorry Leslie you had to go through that. It sure brings back memories for me. Our house was broken into almost 2 years ago. I walked in on the guy. It took weeks before I was even comfortable going out at night by myself. I didn't want to be at home alone. I'm just thankful neither of my girls were home and the guy only took $20 that was in my underwear drawer. He missed over $200 dollars sitting on the kitchen table that was for my daughter's fundraiser for her school! All my online devotions for the next few weeks were about fear...I'm pretty sure God wanted me to deal with it. It helped too to have a friend come over and just let me cry.
Will pray for you and your husband. May God's perfect peace envelope the two of you.
Posted by: Lavonne Sylvester | 08/03/2011 at 04:15 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and hope they catch the thief. Good luck to you.
Posted by: Wanda Williams | 08/03/2011 at 04:51 PM
This is just horrible. I'm so glad that you, your husband and Wally are okay. I'm sure it will take some time to feel safe again. My best wishes to you and your family. Big Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | 08/03/2011 at 04:52 PM
Oh my goodness Leslie, I am so very sorry to hear this horrible news. How frightening, violating, disheartening this must be. I am so glad that you, your husband and Wally were not hurt. You will be in my thoughts and prayers as you recover from this.
Posted by: LaurieJ | 08/03/2011 at 05:23 PM
I'm so sorry this happened to you. I'll be thinking about you and your family. Take care
Posted by: Kate Stockman | 08/03/2011 at 05:31 PM
Oh you poor thing. I wish you the very best and I'm so sorry this happened to you. I would love to send you a card if I had your address (not to stalk/invade). Many HUGS!!!
Posted by: Sara | 08/03/2011 at 05:33 PM
Oh my gosh, Leslie!! I'm so glad you, Rich, and Wally are all safe!!! This is just awful. Everyone understands your need to step back for a while. And I would agree with Sara (comment above) if I knew where to send a card I would. Since I don't, please, please, know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Posted by: Susie Lessard | 08/03/2011 at 06:00 PM
What an awful thing to have happen... In a flash there goes your sense of security and trust. My heart goes out to you and your family as you try to put the pieces back together and learn to trust and feel safe again.
Posted by: Susan Z | 08/03/2011 at 06:07 PM
Leslie, I am so glad you, Rich and Wally are safe. I know what you are going through, been there twice before. It isn't pleasant and the very thought of having had your home and privacy violated is gut wrenching. Please take care and rest assured that I'm thinking of you all.
Posted by: Leigh | 08/03/2011 at 06:17 PM
What a nightmare! My heart is breaking for you and your family. I pray that you regain your peace of mind soon. I wonder if you and Rich will consider getting a house alarm. We live in an FBI and CIA neighborhood and still use a house alarm (to ward off idle teenagers mostly). The police come even during false alarms and that lets the neighbors know not to mess with this house. I wish there was something I could do for you. This makes me so SO sad.
Posted by: Gabriela | 08/03/2011 at 06:21 PM
That's awful. I sure hope they catch that guy. They will eventually, they have his DNA. Good! I can't imagine the feelings you are going through. Praying for peace for you and your family.
Posted by: Sandy Knecht | 08/03/2011 at 06:29 PM
Oh Leslie, this is so horrible! As I read your post I kept hoping you were going to end the story with it being a raccoon got in and ransacked everything. It just angers me that people feel they can violate other's personal space like this. I am so so thankful you are all ok! Keeping you in my thoughts!!
Posted by: Carol | 08/03/2011 at 06:37 PM
I am so sorry Leslie! I can only imagine how horrible this is for you and your family. Thank goodness you all were not hurt. My thoughts go out to you during this time and please know that "what goes around, comes around"...so this guy will get his.. some day! Hugs to you all. :-)
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | 08/03/2011 at 07:23 PM
I think everyone who read your blog tonite felt the same way. It is just too horrible to even comprehend that anyone would do something like that. You have a lot of prayers coming your way!
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 08/03/2011 at 07:31 PM
Oh Leslie...this is just creeeeepy! This kind of thing makes me so mad! I can only imagine the pit in your stomach right now. It is sad that someone has so little respect for others home and belongings! Take care my friend.
Posted by: Sue Kment | 08/03/2011 at 08:15 PM
I'm so thankful you, Rich & Wally are safe!
Posted by: Linda Carson | 08/03/2011 at 09:11 PM
Oh Leslie I am sorry this has happened to you. I know exactly how you are feeling as it happened to me 40 yrs ago. I was single and worked odd hours, in and out during the day and night. My neighbors dogs barked but they thought it was me getting home at 1 AM. Apparently there were three of them and they were in my house for hours. They took everything of value and made a huge mess. The worst of it was my poor teacup poodle was terrified and spend the next several months hiding under the bed. To be honest I felt so violated and was so frightened I wanted to crawl under there with her. I finally moved but never really felt safe again until I got married. I’m so glad no one was hurt. Do what you must to feel safe again. You and yours are in my prayers.
Blessings Bernie
Posted by: Bernie | 08/03/2011 at 10:53 PM
Oh Leslie - I am so sorry this happened to you. I know exactly what you are going thru as it happened to us years ago. A robbery during the day - just after my DH left the house after coming home for lunch. The guy took a bunch of stuff - including all the jewelry DH had ever given me.
Fortunately the cops caught him trying to sell some of the stuff (my jewelry was never recovered) and they were charged and sent to prison. For months after I never felt really safe in the house. I can't imagine coming home to finding someone in the house!
I wish you all the best.
Posted by: NancyK | 08/04/2011 at 05:58 AM
Leslie, Most important is that you, Rich and Wally are safe!
Posted by: Elaine Lisle | 08/04/2011 at 06:38 AM
Oh my gosh, Leslie! That is SO scary. Thank goodness he did wait until you were gone though. It's horrible to think of what he could have done to you, Rich or Wally. I'm so sorry. (Please consider a security system.)
Posted by: Broni | 08/04/2011 at 07:00 AM
Leslie, I do empathize with you. I was a teenager when our house was broken into and I know I felt violated. I am so sorry that this happened to you. You will be in my thoughts.
Posted by: Paula | 08/04/2011 at 07:30 AM
Hope the bad feelings fade quickly, Leslie. Get a security system installed; it's worth it to be able to return to your empty house and know that no-one has breached it while you've been away.
It will also give you the satisfaction of doing something positive so that this unfortunate incident will never be repeated.
Posted by: gailanne | 08/04/2011 at 01:59 PM
So sorry to hear your story. I know what it feels like, and it is not always what was taken, but the mess you have to endure, and that feeling of intrusion in your space. Having to clean up is hard, as everything was touched by that villain. Take care Leslie and you are in my thoughts and prayers, that you may soon overcome this horrible incident.
Posted by: Ursula Uphof | 08/04/2011 at 10:40 PM
Oh Leslie, I am so sorry to read this. How truly scary and awful. Words fail me but I am thinking of you...
Posted by: Joan B | 08/05/2011 at 01:41 AM
That must have be the worst.... and blood too....
I'll keep you in my prays and hope you can settle down and be yourself again soon. Just remember "Time heals all."
Posted by: Dotty A | 08/05/2011 at 03:58 AM
Oh, my God, Leslie! I am shocked! I am soooooo sorry you and Rich and Wally had this happen. OH, wow. I am just horrified by what some people do to others. I can't imagine what he thought he'd find in your stamp room; probably didn't even know he was IN a stamp room. Although I'm glad your loss was minimal, I can completely understand feeling freaked out, thinking people are watching you. Eeew. Hope you have/get a security system. (even Wally might need a little help, being a security system, that is)
Your tale comes on the heels of something that has just happened in the 5 neighboring towns, including mine, the other day. Someone(s) rode around with a baseball bat or other type object in the wee hours of the morning and broke dozens and dozens of windows / windshields on random cars parked in the streets. !!! Can you believe it?? WHat on earth is the point of all that?? I don't get people sometimes.
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 08/05/2011 at 05:49 AM
oh my goodness, leslie....i'm so sorry to hear this. i'm very thankful, though, that no one was hurt. my prayers will be for energy for the cleanup, a caught crook, and most of all, peace of mind. hugs.
Posted by: deb mills | 08/05/2011 at 06:04 AM
Leslie I am so sorry to read this - thankful no one was home and you are all safe, and understand your feelings about being watched - oh Leslie my thoughts are with you during these trying times!! Sending big hugs -
Posted by: Cindy Lyles | 08/05/2011 at 06:24 AM
I am so sorry this happened to you. My prayers are with you and your family. I cannot imagine how you must feel. I am grateful you and your family are unharmed .... Well at least physically unharmed. I wish you peace.
Posted by: Paula | 08/05/2011 at 10:40 AM