My dog Rocky was on the back porch barking up a storm.
I noticed my front door was slightly ajar.
I pushed it open slowly and took one step into my livingroom.
Something told me not to go into the house so I stood stock still.
A head popped quickly around the corner of the doorway from my kitchen.
Then this white male starting to ease around the corner and said, 'I'm looking for Robert James.' 'Where's Robert James?'
That's when I saw the gun.
And yes folks....I ran.
I took a self-defense course a couple of summers ago and I implemented what they taught us.
Get some distance between you and the gun.
I'm 50 years old and overweight so running wasn't easy.
The man came right after me but hesitated once he saw I was heading for the woods.
Adrenaline fueled my flight and I didn't realize I was getting cut up by the brush and twisted my ankle badly.
I was able to make it to my neighbor's next door and she pulled me in when I managed to gasp, 'man with a gun...in my house....chasing me..'
8-10 police officers came with a K-9 unit trying to find the man.
He hasn't been found yet.
I'm on high alert and per their advice am packing (I have a permit for a concealed weapon) and am getting an alarm system on Monday.
So I'm sitting here now with one of my handguns with my right ankle in a splint and elevated and have developed a nasty, nasty cold caught probably in the ER last night.
I need some sympathy and encouragement real bad right about now.
My own family isn't very sympathetic and haven't even come over.
So here I am again on Lymenet posting my woes.
Can you all help?
Posted by lymeladyinNY (Member # 10235) on :
Holy crap, Lone Wolf!!!
God bless you for having your head on straight! Thank God you are okay!!!
I hope they find this terrible person ASAP!
I just said a prayer for you!!!
- Lymelady
Posted by TnFlowerChild (Member # 24717) on :
WOW!!!
You got my sympathy and respect!!!
Sorry you got hurt in the process and I'm sure feeling a little violated right now... thank God you and your Rocky are OK!
You're in my prayers, Flower Child
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
Oh my. TG your instinct was to not go inside the house. Did he get away with anything? Or scared off before?
Really what's important is you got away from him. I hope you don't crash to bad from the stress of this situation.
Try to relax and be careful with the guns. I hope someone makes time for spending some time with you.
Pam
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
OH, that is TERRIBLE!!!!! he was pretty brazen to enter a home with a large dog out there barking!!!
What I would worry about is the drug issue. People do crazy things while under the influence.
So where are you going to hang out?? (you said you were packing)
I'm so sorry this happened to you! NOT what you needed... and no support from family? What a horrible thing!
I'm so glad you got away!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Lone Wolf,
That is a horrible traumatic experience!!
You must feel violated finding an armed man in your house...not to mention the fright of it all!
Sorry that you got injured and caught a nasty cold too. I'm thankful that you do not have a bullet hole through you and you weren't beaten to a pulp. It could have been so much worse.
I hope they catch that man very soon and in the meantime I hope he realizes he was in the wrong place and doing wrong in general.
I will say a prayer for your recovery, safety and peace of mind.
Posted by TnFlowerChild (Member # 24717) on :
Lymetoo,
"packing" = going armed, with loaded weapon, "dialing 357 - not 911!" "Go ahead, punk... make my day!"
from the Tn hillbilly born in gun-tote-ing Texas! Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You've got my sympathy. But mostly, advice for maximum ADRENAL SUPPORT as you endocrine system just took a huge shock. Your adrenals may take a few weeks to recover from this.
I once came home to a burgled home and it took a few weeks for my body to settle down -- and I am usually a no drama kind of person - it was not so emotional as it was truly a chemical poisoning to me. Sure, there was the psychological impact and some warranted emotions, but my body's reaction had the trademark of what I now know to be adrenal shock and stress. I knew nothing about all that then. I've also been in a few auto accidents. Same adrenal reaction.
That's the part I wish your family understood. Your body has literally been assaulted even if you don't have a scratch. Injuries will take time to heal but some good emotional support - even hugs and touch would sure be nice.
It'd also be good to have some good "chi" or "vibes" in the house. Love, music, laughter, etc. Maybe no one wants to come around because they can't run as fast as you can, eh? They may be too scared to come over but I'd think they would then invite YOU over or otherwise show their support.
I hope they catch him. Hope he left some clues. He knew your name? That part must be scary. Why would he say who he was looking for? Was that your name - or someone else and he may have had the wrong house? (Not that ANY house would have been the RIGHT house, though.)
Anyone else in town with the same name? Next county over?
If he really used your name, that sure adds to the mix. Maybe this is a new tactic for the IDSA !
You've got the bravery down. Now, I hope you find some peace with this. Glad you have Rocky by your side for good company. Smart dog to have kept his distance, too. Barking works. His barking may have saved your life. -
Posted by Topaz (Member # 20216) on :
Wow, that's crazy.
I can't even imagine how I'd react. You did a great job!
I sure hope they catch him and that you're feeling better, both emotionally and physically, very soon.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
you are a brave soul.I don't know if I could have reacted that quickly and ran.
so sorry this has happened to you and rocky. Hope you and rocky recover soon.
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
Wow, you are so brave. Amazing how you knew NOT to go in. Your guardian angel sure nudged you that day.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
oh i knew immediately what you meant by packing.
son is a cop.
i'm so glad you're ok tho. it could have turned out much worse.
thank heavens you can run and got away.
was anything stolen?
your family sounds like mine....
get that security system installed asap. it's well worth it.
Posted by greengirl (Member # 25316) on :
Big big hugs! That is so scary and awful. Keebler is right. Take care of yourself.
Posted by Pinelady (Member # 18524) on :
Just be sure your packing something that will take them down in one shot. LOL Glad your ok.
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
Wow. My first thought was you were so smart not to go in and listen to your instincts.
When I first read packing...I too thought you might be going some place for a bit...
Still wondering if that isn't a good idea. Some place you feel safe and can get help so you can stay off of your feet.
Now, is not the time for someone to show up at your door unannounced and walk in. HA!
Glad you are getting the alarm system.
My imaginary lyme posse will be right over to get this guy.
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
OH HOW FRIGHTENING!!!
Dear dear little wolf! So sorry to hear it.
It had to be very scary for you, a Lyme patient, to run TOWARDS the woods!
Ticks or a gun.... no contest!!
You did the right thing!!!
Now stay off that ankle... so sorry you were injured... and count your blessings.
You might want to try a little trick I learned. Make up a sign (8x10) to put in your window near the door.
On it write- Warning- Live snakes inside.
Amazing how many big bad men are scared of snakes. True, it might not deter them ... but it sure will make them uncomfortable if they try to get in anyway.
Also.. big bowls near the front door ... one with water... to indicate dogs are running loose. A scuffed up really big chew toy bone can be laid there too.
Also... keep a radio on in one room and a light on in another when not home. Alternate rooms now and then.
Put a collection of pretty glass bottles/jars on the window sills inside to deter someone from breaking in a window.
Keep all brush/bushes away from the entrances. If you MUST have brush, make it really thick, thorny stuff.
I do hope you can settle down after all that.
Hugs to you!!!
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
Oh my!! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I had my house broken into one time, and it took me quite a while to get over it.
Hope you feel better soon.... Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :
Why not also do some additional locks on doors, like deadbolts, and find some ways to make it harder to get into windows. One thing you can do is drill holes in the frame (one on each side) just above the bottom set of windows, then insert sturdy nail or screw into the hole. That makes it hard to raise the window. The holes are bigger than the nail, so you can remove them easily to open the window. There are probably other ways to burglar proof the house, try googling the subject.
The burglar might not ever come back but this will make you feel safer, and that is important. I don't think an alarm system and a gun are the only ways to react to this terrible event. It can take time for alarm systems to be responded to, and having a gun will make you feel you have to stay awake all the time!
The apartment I was living in long ago was attempted to be burgled during the night. I got up, turned on the light, called the police. He had removed the pins from the hinges in the back door. A stupid place to have hinges! You might look at your doors from that point of view too.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Make sure your door jam is framed in hard wood - and maybe with some reinforcements. Pine or other soft-wood door frames won't hold locks they can be easily pushed or kicked.
Hinges should always be on the inside of the door. Lou, someone sure messed up when building your building.
However, with patio door locks and bolts all bets are off. -
Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :
i'm really glad you are ok.
i have two places i live and at both of them there is more and more and breakins-bank robberies-convenient store robberies...sometimes just a sandwch for the guys kid.
as the economy gets worse it feels to me like this kind of crime is increasing
when the guy was asking for someone by name...was it someone that lives there or that you know? or was he at the wrong place? or was it totally random?
no matter what it was i hope you cantake care of yourself and feel safe again soon.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
My dogs say "Woof-woof! We would have bit that guy for sure!" And they're lovers, not biters.
I was robbed once. My hotel room was broken into while I was sleeping. (I was in a foreign country. Not great locks.)
In the morning, I couldn't decide whether to be freaked out, or thrilled that I had slept through it. And I don't mean thrilled that I hadn't met my crook, I mean thrilled that I had slept through the night! I'd had Lyme-related insomnia for 15 years! Talk about a skewed view...
Take care of yourself. Sending good vibes.
Wags, BoxerMom
Posted by kam (Member # 3410) on :
akinwolf...looking forward to when you check in with us to let us know you are OK
Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :
I was thinking what the previous poster posted about running towards the woods. The first thing I thought was oh no, ticks!
I'm glad you are OK. And hopefully he doesn't come back and they catch his butt. And do whatever makes you feel safer. 10 locks on the door, alarm system, packing, whatever it is. Feeling safe knows no boundaries!
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Thank you all so much!
I'm still very sick with the flu/cold and staying off the ankle.
My black lab Rocky won't let me out of his sight. He's such a good, good boy.
I really needed all the support and advice.
The company that's installing my alarm system Monday will take a look around my trailer and see what can be done security wise.
They were so nice when I called them yesterday. The man I spoke with said they could set up something temporarily if I was too frightened to wait until Monday.
The police checked on the name 'Robert James'. We don't know any Robert James but apparently this guy lives not to far from me and has a record a mile long for B and E.
The theory is the guy in my house just gave a name off the top of his head but it's a real person that he probably knows.
What an idiot!
I'm hoping and praying that they catch him soon.
This little episode has caused my immune system to crash and I have a touch of post traumatic stress.
Oh, BTW, the guy didn't get anything, I must have interrupted him not long after he broke in.
Also my mom came over yesterday around 5 with a spaghetti dinner, which was very appreciated since it's the only thing I ate.
Here's a thought too....usually when something like this happens I would go straight for my weapons hidden in my house....but something sure stopped me right that day.....and I'm alive to talk about it.
Someone sure was watching out for me.
You guys are the best! I'll let you know if they catch the guy!
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
Cyber hugs and best wishes from Silverwolf and I. Self defense course was right, any armed person, regardless of your training, is more dangerous than an unarmed person.
You may consider getting some counseling as well as this invasion of your privacy is hard on the mental aspects.
Thank God you weren't hurt and we hope this animal is caught and brought to justice (having been a law enforcement professional for more than a few years).
I got the "packing" message right off the bat.
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
Wow! I can't even imagine going through what you have just described.
My heart is breaking for you.
I obviously don't know what I can do to help, but did want you knowing that I care and had seen what had happened since I don't get on Lymenet as much as I use to.
Please check in and let us know how you are. We really do care.
Cathy
Posted by MADDOG (Member # 18) on :
WOW!!! I carry a titanium taurus Judge with 2 250 grain long colts, two tripple ot buck shotgun shells , and one regular bird shot 410 shotgun shell in it.
Sometimes I carry my 357 magnum.
I would love to catch someone in my house like that.
There wouldent be a trial,they could just plant him 6 feet under when I was done killing him.
MADDOG
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
Wow....that is so scary! Glad you thought fast to do the best thing. I hope you feel better soon!
Posted by aklnwlf (Member # 5960) on :
Thanks for all the wonderful advice and sympathy.
I bought two deadbolt locks and am waiting to borrow the right tool to drill the hole through the metal doors.
Also per my alarm system installer will put some bars of metal to block my sliding windows from being opened.
And, yeah! I have an alarm system!!!
Just contacts for my front, back and sliding door and one motion detector.
But it should be more than adequate for my double wide.
Also I have my 4 legged roving alarm system, Rocky, and a .38 Taurus and .45 Haskell.
I can't think of anything else. I hope I'm safe enough for now.
I sure will let you all know if they catch the guy.
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
I sent you a message.
Posted by Remember to Smile (Member # 25481) on :
Hey, I just opened to Psalm 91, ALW, it's "Security Under God's Protection" v. 3 "God will rescue you from the fowler's snare, from the destroying plague"
Still thrilled for you with that run thru the woods. Take heart in your abilities. Remember, God doesn't call the equiped, he equips the called.
Rocky & you are a team that can soothe each other so you can find your happy tails again and live happier tales together.
I echo TxCoord's idea about counseling. PTSD occurs after your life is put in danger and can bring some challenging times. But we have faith you'll bounce back. Keep us posted, Alaska Swift-Running Lone Wolf! Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Alaska Swift-Running Lone Wolf (I like that name R2Smile),
So sorry that happened. That's crazy. That's scary. Whew, so glad you're doing ok.
Alarm system is good!!!!!! Detoured a robber once that was breaking into my sons's house. Robber hasn't been back.
God's peace to you!
Posted by peacemama (Member # 17666) on :
So glad you got out safe.
((hugs))
Posted by Sick Tick (Member # 23003) on :
My goodness.....a man with a gun is definitely scarier than even the woods/ticks!
Someone broke in my home and met my Belgian Malinois the hard way! The police had quite a laugh when they realized that the call they got right before mine, for an ambulance because someone cut his arm on glass, was from the guy who left my house in a huge hurry after meeting my dog, and busted through glass with his fist to unlock another door to get out!
he was going around the neighborhood stealing Christmas presents. My dog saved Christmas that year!
Anyway=my point; he was not one to carry a gun per the police, and was gone when I got home..and that was scary enough. I cannot imaging encountering what you did. But a dog seems to be the best deterrent to crime. Criminals have said many times that they will always choose a home without a dog, even a small yapper, for fear of the discovery, the bite, etc. So folks, if you can't have a dog, consider getting a recording of one barking occasionally when you are gone....or one that is triggered by someone coming onto your porch. Many have used this "security system" successfully.
Lymetoo, I laughed out loud about "packing" But that is probably what I would have done....packed up and ran for Arkansas in fear! Oh, and I would probably stop and see you on my way down to tell you all about it!
Posted by kelmo (Member # 8797) on :
So glad you are safe! I was worried when you said you headed for the woods. I was thinking you would be in a place where no one could hear you.
Hopefully, they will look up the man he was looking for!
Posted by grandmother (Member # 19908) on :
Posted by TnFlowerChild (Member # 24717) on :
Lone Wolf,
Are you & Rocky doing ok? Just wanted to check in on you... let us know how you are holding up!
Gotten over your flu/cold & ankle better? Hope so...
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