[Bean]

Well not my current house, but my parents'. A small, old - but not too run down place on a corner lot in Beddington that is unassuming, unappealing but hey; its ours.

The thief left evidence of his failed entry via our back door and patio but succeeded to jimmy his way in through a side window. He must have done his research as my sister was at work during the time but somehow he just knew that my recently retired parents would be returning from vacation later in the afternoon. What a ####ty way to return from a trip.

The house was ransacked, things over turned, drawers picked through - heirlooms, cash, trinkets and jewellery taken at will. I'm past the point of anger, just complete disbelief that immigrant parents who never made much more than minimum wage during their tough careers could be targeted for quick profit.

Sure, insurance might be able to replace a few things but the security of what I believed was a sanctuary is no more. The constable and fingerprint guy were good to deal with but truly; it'll take far more than their efforts to be comfortable here. I don't live 'at home' anymore but clearly; my family have to overcome this massive breach of personal and emotional space. I truly don't know how it is possible right now.

On my end, there are few things as sobering as getting that frantic call from your dad, one day after father's day. The emotional, mental and physical anguish is tormenting me and is not helped with the concern I have for my sister and folks.

In my bout of insomnia, I'd like everybody out there in CP land, to please use our nightmare as your wakeup call. It isn't a call to arms or a need to live in fear; just a reminder to take stock of how good things can be and to take precautions to ensure that your loved ones are safe. We never thought that we'd be statistics of invasion, robbery and victimization.

I'll probably never meet you but please, take care out there.

Larry