That is so true, Lauralou, and thank you for reminding me of that quote. It seemed natural to remind my boys throughout the night that the police were here to help and protect us, that they knew we were inside of our house, and that they would do whatever they had to to keep us safe. This was reassuring to all of us, but I focused on that, instead of what might be happening in the house next door to us.

I am so sorry that you had to experience the terror of that bombing with your son. I hope you have found peace in the time after. Thank you for your support.

Thanks, Ila. We are getting there. The kids seem to have recovered pretty quickly, this mom on the other hand is having a bit of a hard time.

Yes, I’m so thankful for the police. In the days after we found out that for many officers involved this was a once in a career time operation. This was the worst case scenario that officers train for. They were able to execute the plan in such a professional manner. With so much tension the situation could have gone a lot of ways.

Thanks for your support, Janelle!

Hey Amanda, I’m sorry that you had to go through that situation with your son. It is amazing how quickly a day can go from calm and beautiful to terrifyingly scary. I too am finding a lot of strength and peace in my neighbors. I always liked my neighbors, but I see them more as a family these days. They really stepped up and helped to make our family feel safe and secure in this unsettling time. Thanks for your support :)

Laura

On a similar note, after Everett’s accident earlier this year things haven’t quite been the same for us. In retrospect, I can see now that there were definite signs of PTSD early on (for him and for me) but I was in total shock mode that it was difficult to have any clarity. I ,too, found myself hungry for anything that would give me control: cleaning, purging, exercising. Not bad things by any means, but the motivation behind them was fear. We are still working through things (the start of the school year has brought new challenges) but life is gradually feeling more “normal.” I encourage your family to talk to a professional about your feelings and to keep doing all the lovely, cozy things you enjoy doing in your home. And never feel guilty about what you aren’t doing. You are doing the most important thing by making you and your family’s well-being the #1 priority. Everything else can wait.

Lots of love. xx

You are so right, Beth! I have been very conscious of creating happy feelings in our home. Lots of movies in the basement, staying up late, popcorn, etc. And I’ve been cleaning and purging like a crazy person because that makes me feel in control. Thanks!

Hi Neighbor, Yes it was extremely scary and I hate that my children had to experience it. We are still very un-edge as this man has been aggressive with us in the past and has been just released from police custody on bail. It’s all a waiting game, but I know that eventually he will go to prison and we will feel more at peace.

There are so many mentally ill people out there, and so few resources and so little awareness. Our culture of ‘rugged individualism’ and ‘just suck it up’ don’t help. When will we realize that we’re a society and we’re all in this together?

I hope you find peace and can feel carefree and safe in your home, yard, and neighborhood soon. And I’m glad to hear my tax dollars are paying for a top-notch police force here in Minneapolis. (((hugs)))

So happy for you and your family that there was a good outcome but oh my what a scary thing to go through.

Big hugs to you all x

THANK YOU ALL, and chat at you soon.

xo,
Scoops

As somebody who has gone through a traumatic event, I would like to suggest getting some outside counseling for your whole family. Even if you go twice and they decide you’re OK, you just need time, it will be well worth it. Not properly processing traumatic events can stick with you for decades subconsciously*. Please, consider having yourself and your family evaluated. Feeling safe in your home is a basic need, and one you and your family deserve.

*15 years after said trauma, I was seeing a therapist for something completely different. It seems my train-wreck 20s were a textbook reaction to my trauma (note: you can train-wreck in ways other than substance abuse). SO textbook that the therapist *actually gave me a textbook to read on the subject.* Had I just (ignored the macho) gotten help immediately, things would have been very different.