Nothing Like Gunshots to Liven a Day

Do you ever feel like the evil in the world is encroaching a little too closely into your own world? Boy, did I get a big dose of that at about 4:15 this morning. I had my bedroom window open because it was so hot last night (upstairs). I was woke up to the sound of a man and woman yelling at each other and then gun shots, and it was close. Gun shots are very distinctive and I don't know if it is the percussion or what, but its definitely different. I rolled over and grabbed the phone and dialed 911. As soon as the dispatcher picked up and said, "what's your emergency", I said, "shot fired". "shots fired"? I think that phrase was stuck in my brain from TV, but the dispatcher didn't laugh at my lingo. She asked for my address and while we were talking, there were more gunshots. I could hear at least one of the gunshot hit the guy, it make this strange sound and then he cried out and then nothing from him again. There was more yelling (lots of cussing), two guys took off in a car, but were caught by the cops about five minutes later. Police cars, ambulances and a fire truck poured into the neighborhood.

I tried to go back to sleep but my heart was racing and then I started to cry. I am not sure why, but I think it was just the adrenaline leaving. This reaction isn't surprising for me, since I can't stand raised voices. I was finally able to sleep for about another hour or so. And then while I was getting ready for services a police officer knocked on the door to interview me about what I heard or saw. I realized while talking to her that it had never occurred to me to look about my spare bedroom window, which would have given me the perfect vantage point. When I mentioned that I was sorry I hadn't been awake enough to do that the police officer said to be glad that I hadn't. I asked her if the guy was going to make it, but she couldn't tell me. I found out later today that he died and that another guy was stabbed, but will recover.

Come to find out they are gang members, but the shooting wasn't gang related. It was over a girl...go figure. I guess bad relationships will do that to you. It is just so sad. That was someone's son, and could have been someone's father or brother and now he is gone.

It has freaked me out a bit, but I know that God will protect me and my home. Ironically I live in a really nice neighborhood, but stuff happens everywhere.

Oh, and do I have great friends or what? Stacey and James offered to stay with me for a couple of nights in case I was scared...and Brett and Becca offered for me to stay with them. It is such a blessing to have friends that truly love me. I didn't take them up on it because I really believe that God will protect me.

I am sitting in my very quite home and giving thanks that God protected me and watches over me. Nothing like a shooting to remind me how thankful I am to have God as my Protector and Comforter.