When I decided to create With Love From Detroit, I wanted it to be an honest account of life in Detroit. I post a lot about all the fun things we do, the home projects we finish and random nonsense that goes through my head. Todays post will be a little different.
Thursday night, I was home alone with the kids. I heard a loud noise and thought someone was breaking in to the neighbors home. I ran down our back stairs to get a better look. I was still on the steps when I heard glass break in our sunroom. Laying right in front of me, on the kitchen counter was a hammer. I grabbed it and screamed “Get out of my house.” I thought if he knew there were people home, he would leave. He did not.
I ran to the living room to grab the phone and dialed 911. At this point he was in my house. I dropped the phone and lifted the hammer to swing it at him. He blocked me and grabbed hold of the hammer. We both had two hands on it and each fought hard for possession. I had the strength of ten men. I truly believe I could have lifted a car at this point.
I began yelling, “My kids are home, please leave. My babies are upstairs.” I must have said this ten times. I hated having to ‘beg’. I’m not sure if it was the fact that I fought him or that my kids were upstairs sleeping, but he decided to give up and ran back out the same door he came in.
He got away.
I picked up the phone and the emergency operator had heard everything and officers were on their way. She stayed with me while I called Ryan on my cell and waited for the police to arrive. They were there in no more than 3 minutes. I gave them a description and a full report. The next day they dusted for prints.
Everyone wants to know how I am doing. I am strong. Stronger than I ever believed I could be. When I say I would do anything to protect my children, I know now that this is true. In hindsight I realize it was pretty dumb to fight a 5’11” 23o lbs. grown man. I should have never had to have this type of experience but I did and I have learned from it.
Comments have been made about when I plan on moving. I know many of you won’t understand, but I have no desire to leave my home, my neighborhood or my city. A strong desire to beef up security but no plans to leave.
From my neighbors there has been an outpouring of love and support. There is a sense of community here that is stronger than I have ever experienced anywhere else. Such concern and kindness has meant so much to our family.
Two days later, I have made leaps and bounds emotionally. Nevertheless, I have plans to seek counseling as I have no desire to let this incident get the best of me.
Thank you to all those who have reached out. I know this post is horrifying, but know that we are well, we are safe and we are going to get through this together.
With Love from Detroit,
Callie
You’re quite amazing miss Callie. Break ins can and do happen in the safest of places. Your boys are lucky to have you. Take care of yourself.
Oh Callie. I can’t stop thinking about you. Your account of what happened chills me. I am so thankful you are safe and are going to handle this with counseling and bravery. Love you so much and don’t ever want to hear you have to endure anything like this again. Gotta love the Momma Bear adrenaline that kicks in for a mother protecting her children. You are fierce.
God bless you, Callie. A horrible experience, but I am so proud of you. <3
Callie, I have chills. … and I’m so proud of you and your ability to react so wacky. That man clearly had no clue as to the formidable strength of the woman he was about to come into contact with. I can’t even imagine what could have been… nor do I think it’s something we should spend much time considering but instead be thankful for what exactly DID happen and that is YOU were able to keep your family SAFE in the worst of circumstances. You are amazing. I love you, Cal and am so beyond happy that you are going to accept nothing less than being just fine.
Not wacky. …quickly! Well ….maybe a bit wacky but wacky in the best way possible!
Fist-bump, sister. Way to take control! Hope this never happens again. Best of luck to you!
I am glad to hear that you and your children are fine. A scary experience it was, but also a learning experience. These are the experiences that lets us know that we are capable when necesssary. Again, I am glad that you and your children are fine and that you are not allowing the situation to control your life.
So glad you are all safe! Counseling is a good idea and I am glad you won’t let the break in get the best of you.
Glad all is well. My house has gotten broken into twice and it will always be “home”
xoxo
I’m reading this after having commented on your “I’ve lost my voice” blog post. I am amazed and admirous of your ability to thwart the robbery due to your impassioned pleas for the safety of your children. You are a Mom…You are strong when tested. Hoping the counseling has been fruitful and hoping too you would consider a self defense course of some sort to support your deep resolve to protect you and yours. Again, congratulations on your achievement.
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