When we returned back to Ft. Bragg after my 30 days of block leave, we arrived to our home, which is located on a military installation. That's right. A "secure" military installation where you have to show a military ID to enter. Or have valid papers and a valid purpose for entering. As we first entered the our home, nothing appeared to be out of place. Eventually, after about 20 minutes of being in the house, I realized my laptop and modem were missing. My military assault pack out of living room. Rechargeable batteries and their charger.  I went to the back door and noticed it was completely unlocked. All 3 locks were undone, to include the chain.

   After calling the police and looking around further, I discovered all four screens had been slashed and the lock on a back window broken. This is how our perp gained entry. He/She was then kind enough to not damage anything else by casually strolling out my back door. The police arrived and delivered bad news. I was the 20th home on my street to be burglarized. Had they put out any warnings? NO! Why not?!

   Now I am afraid to be in my OWN home. So is my son. My hardest part of being back here in the States is having to reassure my son that we are safe in our home. That he is safe to sleep upstairs in his own bed. It has taken me a week of coaxing and reassuring to get him to sleep by himself again. The sad part is that I don't believe we are safe here anymore.  I'm afraid. Joseph is afraid. My neighbors are afraid. Of course, I try to hide it from Joseph. However, everytime I try to tell him it is all okay now and we are fine, he just looks at me with this look that says, "I'd rather have the truth instead of this false reassurance". He is only five, but so wise beyond his years. He is like my old little man.

   It happened here, to us, on this installation. It can happen anywhere at anytime I suppose.