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Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Gratitude


 From panic to paranoia, the last few days have been a roller coaster of emotions. Having a terrible crime committed in your community, on your road, is not something much of us have probably ever thought about.  I certainly never had.

I wrote to a friend this evening about how we take safety precautions with and for our loved ones, from street proofing our children to obeying the speed limit and always buckling up, but how does one take aim against something like this happening to a neighbour? Another friend, who lives in the country, told me how all of the neighbours on her road play telephone tag so that everyone is kept up to speed on happenings in their area. I think it's a great place to start and I hope to set up something similar with my neighbours. I think we can all learn from this situation, whether city or country dwellers, we all need to do a better job of looking out for one another. 

Maybe more people should become bloggers, because if they were all like you, my friends, this world would be a much better place. I can not begin to express how much your words, prayers, thoughts and messages of love and concern have comforted me over the last few days. My heart is full of gratitude, and your words of wisdom have reminded me to put my fear in God's hands. Our dear friend Jenny Matlock said it best, she reminded me today that "Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger."

So while, for the moment,  life is different, there's no way it could not be; it also continues on just the same. I have no plans on turning Rural Revival into a crime blog, however, I will keep you posted, as some of you have asked, should new events turn up. In the meantime, little information has been released by the police, so your continued prayers that they are able to resolve this situation soon is appreciated beyond words.
 
 And, it wouldn't be fair to forget this girl. Our border patrol guard, always on duty yet all she asks for in return is lots of snuggles. She's received a lifetime's worth in a matter of days.


~Be well friends~
 

22 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

Even though I'm really new to your blog, I'm relieved to "hear" from you again and know that you're managing as best as you can. Keeping our wits about us and being alert is not a bad thing, nor is getting to know your neighbors (as you said before). We'll continue to send good thoughts and prayers to you and those affected "on your road". :)

Deb said...

I'm glad you're doing okay. Still praying!

Flat Creek Farm said...

Bless you and your family, and of course that includes your beautiful border patrol girl!! You've certainly been on my mind, and in my prayers. Will keep on sending those prayers up. Hope this is resolved soon. Hugs to all! -Tammy p.s. although it's a sad topic, that is a beautiful picture of the police on their horses!

V.L. Locey said...

I`ve been thinking of you and your community. I hope this gets resolved soon. Good wishes still coming your way!

ain't for city gals said...

Andrea...I am just catching up (after computer problems)...what a terrible thing to happen...I was so hoping by now they would know a little of what / who did such a thing. Callie definitely looks like she now has a special job to do...

Nancy said...

Andrea -- I'm still thinking about you and what happened. Living in the country, we all hear those aweful bumps in the night that we can't explain -- but often just think it's nothing.

I'm so glad you have your dog there to protect you and your place. Yes, they do deserve so much gratitude for the security they provide us. :)

((Hugs))

Anke said...

I've been thinking about you guys a lot lately and I really hope this gets resolved very soon.
Take care,
Anke

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Bless your heart my prayers are with ya. I'm so happy that you and your family are safe and protected by a great watchdog. I fear that Tiger The Wonder Dog would hide under the car at the first sign of danger. He's just not the sharpest pencil in the box.

God bless ya and have a marvelously safe New Year!!!

Rural Rambler said...

You have been on my mind too Andrea. I googled this a couple of days ago to see what had happened. So sorry Andrea. I am so happy you have your watchgirl there. Hard to do the everyday things with this crime out there unsolved. You have our continued prayers.

Dawn said...

this world is often so unpredictable and unnerving.
Keep safe...in all of our thoughts.
hugs

Chris at Red Gate Farm said...

I hope things get better for you Andrea. I'm sure it will take time to even begin to feel a fraction of the security you felt before this. It's really so sad that someone can take so much from so many.

I know I'd feel a bit safer with a "guard" on duty too.

Chris

MJ said...

I think of you all everyday and continue to send prayers your way. A big hug to your beautiful dog from me!!

Michelle said...

Glad you have your dog. Ours always let us know when they think things are happening and I absoutely appreciate them..

Genny said...

Andrea, you and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness for your border patrol girl. I think a call tree or something similar is a wonderful idea.

Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm said...

Andrea I was wondering if there had been an outcome yet. So glad to hear you and your family are doing well, considering the circumstances. What a beautiful and faithful watch dog you've got. You are so right - they do so much for us and ask for little in return. Ah...a lesson in simplicity! Your family is in my prayers.
Staci

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Just loving you, thats all....

And please give Callie big smooches from our 3 pups. They are so impressed with her border patrol guard skills! It does their canine hearts proud, said Zeke!

And a big kiss, with red lipstick, on the top of Callie's head. From me.
xo, misha

The Silver Age Sara said...

Andrea,
I understand. We had a terrible murder of an elderly lady who was kidnapped from her home and her body was found close to our community. It's so senseless, so frightening on so many levels and not something you think will ever happen in a small village. The crime did change my behavior and I shall never again keep our gate unlocked.

Cheryl said...

Beautiful horse photo...under different circumstances!!
Special pats for that beautiful watchdog!
Thinking of you!

Verde Farm said...

I know that wonderful dog brings some peace to you. I truly think dogs are the closest things to angels on earth.

The Fairy's Apprentice said...

Hope everything is ok and you fell better and safer now. We never think such things happen in our neibourhood, always happen to others. Stay safe! xoxo

Unknown said...

Callie sure is a pretty girl, and Jenny's words are truly wise.

2 Tramps said...

Just getting caught up on reading - I am so very sorry for the loss of your neighbor in such a tragic way. It has to be so very upseting to everyone nearby.

Some of the folks that live in our area stay connected via email. One person is the main contact and passes on news, etc. from anyone that has something that needs to be shared, be it a missing pet or a cougar sighting.

I learned very soon after we moved here from a large city that I would need to be able to protect myself. It was difficult at first but I am better with it now and am looking forward to getting a "border patrol" like you have again soon!