I feel compelled to take a step back from the humorous vodkamom posts for a minute and talk about what’s happening to our family.
Stalking is serious business. It’s not something to mess with, it’s not something to ignore, and it’s not something to joke about. So joke I won’t.
I feel at this point I should share what steps we have taken as a family to ensure the safety of our darling girl.
First, we went to the police. Sassy shared her story with an amazing police officer that was respectful, empathetic, professional and very, very serious about this case. Frankly, he told us that this young man could be arrested based on all that she shared. (Keep in mind she is 17 – still a minor. This fella is 19 and lives in a town 40 miles away.) It took her a long time, but she tried to record all of the events of the last couple of YEARS and we are delivering it to the police.
As parents, we were shocked about all that she shared, and honestly I feel awful that after all the hints and stories she shared with me that I didn’t pick up on it before her tearful confession. But, that’s water under the bridge.
Then, I DID speak to the principal at her high school. She was amazing and listened to all I had to say. She also made it a point to talk to Sassy and that made me feel good. The Police Officer in the high school (who, in the meantime, had been contacted by the Police Officer in charge of Sassy’s case) also made it a point to talk with her the Monday after we spoke to the police. It turns out that this “fella” has been removed from school property already this year. (shiver)
I also explained the situation to the head coach of her athletic team, and was shocked to learn that another (younger) player had experienced a stalking situation earlier in the year as well. Wow.
We have two loud, barking dogs that I’ve decided I actually love again. Sure, they bark at every animal, person, falling leaf and drive our neighbors and our relatives INSANE. However, with Tightwad away during the week I sleep better knowing that if anyone comes close to the house the dogs bark loud enough to wake the dead.
We are all on edge and snapping at each other left and right. However, I’ve noticed that Sassy is going more places and not skulking around the house. Now that this is in the open and people have circled the wagons to protect her, I can sense a weight has been lifted.
So, we are watching our every move, we are praying it is over - but we are not fooling ourselves. It ain’t over til the fat lady sings.
And I’m not talking about “Five Little Pumpkins”.
Peace be with you.
