our favorite quotes

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."— William Butler Yeats
refresh for more

Monday, December 22, 2008

Violated

Well, Merry Christmas to us. This morning we found out from our beloved neighbor that our home had been broken into. We lamented as we were told that Dan's car was stolen and our computer, too. No one was certain about anything else but that the home had been completely ransacked - clothes, books, and papers thrown about everywhere. I was so sad because I had left my wedding ring in the medicine cabinet, not being able to wear it on account of my swollen, eczema-riddled fingers. My computer was also very dear to me, though by the Lord's own divine intervention (inspiration) I had thought to backup EVERYTHING on my computer to my external hard drive THE NIGHT BEFORE WE LEFT! We have that external hard drive here with us in Dan's backpack. I had told him that there didn't seem to be any point in having a backup if it went up in flames while we were gone.

This afternoon, a friend of ours went over to our home to investigate and see if, by some miracle, he could find my diamond ring. Well, the Lord loves us. He truly does. I will never cease to believe in miracles because today we had not one, but two. Todd (our beloved friend who will go down in our history books as our "deliverer of good tidings"), found my wedding ring right where I'd left it...tucked away behind a little, mostly empty tube of prescription hand cream. I remember trying it on before we left to see if I could wear it. It was tight and I knew my fingers would be further agitated by wearing it in the dry weather here. So I put it back on its shelf and, as an afterthought, wrapped my tube of hand cream around it as a pitiful barrier between it and predators. Only the Lord knew it would work. The burglars had opened the medicine cabinet, but hadn't taken anything out for some reason - maybe they just gave a disinterested glance at the deodorants and prescriptions and moved on. I don't know, but I'm deeply grateful to the Lord for His protection. The second miracle became known when Todd moved to the living room and there, amidst a mountain of papers and files and mess, was my beloved computer tower. Yes, that's right, the burglars had stolen the computer monitor, but not the tower. I started crying and whooping and hollering! I couldn't believe they had taken the monitor and not the tower!! It is unreal to me. I have been thanking the Lord all evening for stupid thieves.

So, what did we lose you ask? Well, they broke the glass on the back door and waltzed right in, took our ancient laptop that was good for nothing except Soren's Starfall quiet times (he's quite heartbroken about the loss of that piece of junk...I feel for the tender little guy), my new DVD burner, our computer monitor, our entire DVD collection (which could bring in thousands in resale), possibly my Photoshop and Lightroom CD's, and Dan's old '97 Honda Civic. Don't get me wrong, we will miss these things, but after hearing the worst then being lifted out of the pits of despair with the good news; we feel like we must be the happiest burglary victims in the world.

We are so blessed. So blessed. Already friends and family and neighbors have jumped right in with offers to help. Dan's parents have graciously offered the use of their car for a time. Our Relief Society is standing by ready to help us clean up the mess when we get home. Other friends are offering to watch the boys and help out with whatever we need. We're so grateful. If there's anything in this world that demonstrates the true spirit of Christmas, it's the selfless nature in which people have responded to our personal little drama. Thank you everyone. And Merry Christmas. Let this be a testament to you that Christ lives and that our Father cares for us and watches over us. He knows what is important to us and will help when we need Him.

18 comments:

Wendy said...

Oh, Liz. I am so sorry. You are such an example to me of trying to find the silver lining!

Amber and The Boys said...

Holy cow! I can't believe it. That is freaky. Please let me know what I can do to help!

provobaileys said...

That is a terrible tragedy but a beautiful testament to the love our Saviour. You can be grateful that you were not there. Though that is why you were probably targeted. I guess enjoy the vacation while you can reality will really hit you in the face when you get home. Have a Merry Christmas and it was good to see you last night.

K said...

I remember when this kind of thing happened to us in New York - twice. Both times while we were at church. It is such a chill to the heart, knowing that predators had been in our house, walking on our floors, pawing through our things. But like you, we were left everything that was important. The word "violation" is very apt. And I will never understand the heart and mind of anyone who would barge into somebody else's life and damage it.

Your joy is a good lesson to me—I'm afraid I'd never get over the anger. Bless your hearts. And Merry Christmas!!

Freckles said...

Oh, Liz, you poor thing! I'm so glad you weren't home, how scary! I'm glad you are all safe and counting your blessings. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday despite this violation. Our prayers are with you.

Marilee said...

Wow, Liz, I can't believe it! How awful. It's one of those things that you never think will happen to you. I'm glad the most important things were left behind...I guess you could call it a "tender mercy" of the Lord!

emi. said...

woot woot!

i'm so excited for you! and your attitude of gratitude is awesome!

p.s. i have a small prize for you. i can't wait to give it to you when you get back!

emi. said...

p.s. i'm excited about the fact that the thieves were not so smart and you didn't lose anything that can't be replaced.

i'm NOT excited that this happened to you.

Liz said...

Ha ha ha, e. I love you!

Erin said...

yuck, yuck. todd and i were thinking about you guys today. we were so happy when todd found the ring!!!

Anonymous said...

liz, so sorry to learn about your christmas surpise. please count me in on helping upon your return! i'm happy to learn about the "good things" left behind and the little miracle that was especially for you. merry christmas! glad you're with family, miss you in s.d. give my love to the boys! shelley

Katy Truman said...

I'm so sorry that had to happen to you guys. So glad you still have your wedding ring and your computer was backed up. Hope you guys have a great holiday! Merry Christmas!!

Alicia said...

I'm so sorry to hear this horrible news. Thank goodness you can see the positive from such a negative experience. Even more, thank goodness no one was hurt. Merry Christmas!

La said...

Crazy, just crazy.
I hope the rest of your Christmas is delightful!

Megan said...

I am grateful for dumb burglars too! I can't believe this happened, Liz... but I"m so glad the most important things are safe.

Brooklet said...

That is terrible! What a nightmare, but thank goodness that all that was taken can be replaced (I was worried about your wedding ring, so glad it wasn't taken!) Have a merry christmas!

Laurie said...

Wow, I am so sorry. So glad that you guys are safe. What a way to see the bright side of a crappy situation! I am glad you have great people to help. Good luck. My mom said she had so much fun visiting with your mom the other day in Provo. Have a great Christmas!

Marcia said...

Well, it makes us all a little more aware of our surroundings and how to protect them. Sometimes the suffering of the one, wakes up the masses.