In reality, it has had an impact on me. When I hear noises at night, I wonder if there is someone in the house. Barking dogs next door must mean that someone is about to climb into our yard. A phone call from Gabriel, our security guard just 100 feet from our house and stationed at the secured entryway, must mean that something dangerous is happening. And there are other more subtle things. But I never turn into a simpering helpless woman. My mind immediately turns to what I would do if we were actually in one of those situations. That is one positive that I derive from this situation.
I wrote the previous paragraph at least 3 times. Mostly because I can't believe that I wrote those things! Six weeks out and I am still having these feeling and thoughts. Surprising.
On the other hand, people are showing up to provide reassurance and love. They provide reassurance by reminding me that lightning doesn't strike twice. That we have a different guard than the one who is implicated and under investigation as instrumental in the break in. The new guard is a good man. New locks, new keys that no one else has copies of. Most importantly, every time I turn around, something happens that cancels my feelings of loss and insecurity of safety. Something that says "I care" or "You are loved." Sometimes it comes in a quiet whisper, other times a magnificent resounding roar. Some of the quieter times have been the messages that people have sent via Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceBook, and email. Coming unexpectedly, they sprinkle my days and nights with a simple hello and to ask how things are going. Nothing complicated but so very appreciated. Other "I care" and "I love you" feelings have come in the shape of financial donations to help recover the cash and items that were stolen. Who are we that people would want to help us this way? And the anonymous donor that contributed $3000 to help get a new sound processor into my hands? Humbling.
The magnificent roar was the duffle bag which arrived last week. Michael Gillette, who took his time to come on a very long and uncomfortable 2 day trip to bring it to us, was a roar of caring. Table 7 of Women's Bible Study led by April Henson roared by sending every last thing that was on our wish list. Everything. Embarrassing! Had I known that they would send everything, I would not have asked for so much.
One thing that this experience has taught me is that we are undoubtedly cared about by people on both sides of the globe. God has placed people in our lives to show us we are loved and cared about. Thank you.
