I love watching ghost shows: stuff like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters and My Ghost Story can really get my adrenaline pumping.
Thing is, I just get myself too involved in the storyline, sometimes the really scary scenarios can carry over in my real life, too.
Like, when there is someone knocking on the front door…in the middle of the night…then "OMG, the zombies are here…DON'T ANSWER IT!!!"
Thankfully, it's at this point when one or ALL of my kids are kind enough to remind me "Really mom, you think zombies are gonna knock?!?"
Then about 1:30 a.m. this morning….
[knock-knock-knock]
….judging by the way my youngest girl dove under the cocktail table…and then my middle girl hollering at her to "STAY DOWN!!!"…the axe murderer, pretending to be an upstanding citizen in distress, seemed MUCH more reasonable.
My oldest daughter hollered for her dad (because, she's REAL smart like that!) and I followed along (a good zombie-length behind) when my husband opened the front door to find a woman standing on our porch.
Later, he admitted that it was the two young children staring up at him that "got him".
Long story, short: the woman had had an argument with her grown daughter, who lived down the street, but admitted that she had been drinking and wasn't comfortable driving home (she and the kids lived about 30 minutes away), so she asked if she could call her boyfriend (the two little ones' dad) to pick them up.
Even longer story, shorter: my mama bear kicked in, I offered the little ones something to eat, then the 3 year-old settled into the couch to watch Sponge Bob, while her 5 year-old brother kept an eye on things (like a good little man) and their mom went outside to smoke a cigarette in an attempt to calm her nerves.
Here's the killer part: the woman kept saying stuff like "It's sooooo cozy and warm in here!" and "OMG, I love the way your house smells!" and "Your house looked like a safe place!" and the kids were just too calm and relaxed about the whole situation, being in a houseful of strangers, which made me think perhaps this sort of stuff has happened to them before, maybe even more than once.
The 5 year-old grew restless, so I offered him a tour of the house (which took less than a minute or two) and then turned the light on so he could see the backyard.
"Wow, you have a pool!!!"
I nodded my head and smiled, then his eyes lit up.
"May…may…uhhhh…maybe we could come back and visit in the summer?!?"
Their dad was able to find his way to our house, the woman thanked us (over and over again) for our kindness and the kids said something about their loving it here!"and "wishing they could stay a little longer" and then my heart exploded.
The end.
P.S. Aaaaaaand…my 14 year-old son slept through it all…go figure.
I'm NaBloPoMo-ing it, feel free to check out what I've NaBloPoMo-ed, so far (PHEW!) and let me know how I'm doing (I mean, 30 posts, in 30 days, really?!?) when you have time, of course!
Comments
99 responses to “How (and why) We Opened Our Door to a Stranger”
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
How kind of you. I’m not sure I would have been brave enough to open my door at 1:30 am.
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
I know, Robbie. Believe me, it was scary there for a while. Our guard was up for most of the night, but we just couldn't bring ourselves not to help those little ones. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Oh those littles… what a divine intervention they landed at your home and not somewhere else. I totally would want to sit and stay at your house too.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
Awww! I would have taken them in, as well. I’m a big sap like that.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
I’m not surprised they felt comfortable there, you’re a family full of love and kindness. You rock on so many levels. This is just one example.
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Jenny, the way they settled themselves right in and their mom just let me love on her kids, it made my heart happy to help!
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
Seriously, we were suspicious, but those sweet little ones…and I couldn't help but hope that someone would help me or my teens if they needed it, too…thanks, Shai 🙂
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
It was really scary for a while, but this experience shook us all to the core and…of course…we couldn't get to sleep, right away.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
I hope those little ones went home to a place of comfort and love. I’m so glad you were there to offer that to them, if only for a little while. This is evidence that your house truly is full, in more ways than one.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
Wow. That’s a tough one at 1:30am. I would’ve let them in too. I’m guessing you left a lasting impression on those kids.
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz
You make a good point, Jennifer. Raising our kids to seek out the helpers is just as important as teaching them to be street smart and safe. I didn't quite think of this particular night in that way. I have a feeling that many parents would not have had any trouble opening their doors, too. Thanks SO MUCH for your thoughts and have a GREAT weekend!!!
Liz