SCARY - YES; AFRAID - MAYBE

Thursday night, my daughter and I were talking in bed (her dad was on a course in JHB), and suddenly we saw this bright light going over my house. We realised that it was the Security Company checking on us, because I told them we were alone at home. Settling down again, we heard a gunshot. I got up and looked through the window (how stupid can one get?) if I can see something. I saw a police car go the opposite way from where I heard the gunshot. A few minutes later, I saw the police car, then the car of one of the old security companies, and a minute or two later, the other security company's car. Then we heard another gunshot. I think the realisation of what was happening in our neighbourhood only surfaced.

You know, it was only me, two of my daughters and my granddaughter on the premises. I have a responsibility as a parent to keep them safe. Luckily my other daughter was on a course in Bloemfontein.

However, with the new legislation, we are not allowed to have firearms on our premises, unless you have a new licence. I got rid of my pistol, because paying all that money, and you will never use the pistol (I have never used it since the day I bought it), is not worth it. The other factor is the problems that you are facing if you do shoot somebody. Even out of self defense. Funny that men cannot shoot at a criminal, but a criminal can shoot at you. Today, all the criminals have firearms, but the poor victims (all the honest, hard working people), aren't allowed to have one.

Yesterday, I heard about a break in spree in one of the neighbourhoods. The guy is sleeping with his pistol under his pillow. Waking up the next morning, about everything was stolen, his pistol was removed, all the bullets packed neatly next to him, and the pistol was put back under his pillow. The message???? I think it was just to tell him: "Listen pal, we were here. We did do whatever we wanted to, and you were sleeping". You see, they spray or burn certain substances which make you sleep very very deep. You will only wake up the next morning, and most of the time with a headache. My family was victims to such a break in. I cannot explain to you how it feels when you realise that all your jewelry (some pieces were inherited), lab top, car, etc. are gone. They have been in your house while you were sleeping. That is intrusion of your privacy - to say the least. The only way to conquer this fear (after such a break in), is praying and praying and believing in God.

You know, another thing I realised: EVEN DURING TIMES LIKE THIS, WE AS SOUTH AFRICANS CAN STILL LAUGH. Thank God for this gift. We are a wonderful nation, full of humor and smiles. We can even laugh at ourselves. What a great gift. This is truly a gift of life.

You must all have a wonderful and blessed day.