Beth Doesn't Seem to Sense Danger

Last week there were two people, a brother and sister hanging out on the pier I often go to, about five minutes from our house. You walk out to the 'boardwalk', the pier is to the left and the ferry dock to the right. I took these in August - 

Granted these two were out on the pier in the middle of the night, but while they were there, four guys walked by them and two of them shot the guy! Point blank! According to the reports, the sister said they didn't know them. It's crazy!! 

Our grocery store has other smaller stores around it, a UPS store, TJ Maxx etc. and the crime has gotten bad. They've put one of those cart things... I just looked it up - a mobile surveillance trailer in the parking lot. Our little town has always been safe but the crime is really increasing. It seems to be that way everywhere.  

I'm one of those people who, when I'm walking toward my car, I check the reflection to see if anyone is following me. As soon as I get in, the doors are locked. I'm not panicked about it, it's just a habit I've developed.

When Beth and I were at the grocery store (the day after the shooting) there was a homeless guy hanging around us in the store. He wandered away when we went to the check out but I noticed he was following us as we headed to the car.

You know that feeling when your senses are up and your adrenaline increases? I turned around and looked directly at him and he immediately turned and walked through some cars. Honestly I thought about what I had bought and if I had some food that I could give him but I didn't really have anything like that. Just Beth's meds, some paper products... 

Beth and I quickly unloaded the cart while I kept my eye on him - he was still walking away from us - and Beth? She was just happily putting things in the car, reminding me of the paper towels under the cart "Crazy Mothera!" and giggling... completely unaware of the guy.

My adrenaline was high but I stayed calm. I told her to get in the car and I'd put the cart away. I kept my eye on the guy (he was on the other side of the lot by now) and I just shoved the cart across the drive into the cart holder thing and jumped in the car. Beth is still getting into the car, half in/half out, moving her backpack, slowly getting settled. I told her to close her door and she slowly leaned out to grab it... 

She honestly had no idea. I locked the doors and started the engine. Since he nowhere near us I took the time to explain about the man and how it was important to always be aware of people around you. It's something I've said to her many times over the years, but she just doesn't sense danger. And with the world the way it is, it makes me a little nervous.

On to better things - She bought some new headphones this week. She likes the kind that goes over her ears. I actually like those kind better too!

Every Sunday now Beth takes a nap after we get home from church. We usually take Sharaya and Ally out for lunch and when we get home she heads downstairs. Today I was able to get a photo. I'm glad she likes her recliner!