Recently something happened that I hope will never occur again, and it’s definitely put me in even more of a grateful, appreciative, and contemplative mindset. Occam and I were at home, watching a movie and taking care of some minor things. We both wandered into different areas of the house when some abnormal ‘pops’ sounded. I was confused because the noise was too loud (and also out of place) for the movie we had playing on the TV. I remember freezing, and then turning out the lights and locking the doors on one end of the house (Occam took care of the other side). A few moments later, he found me (with a home defense weapon ((not a gun)) in hand), and quietly asked me to recount what I had heard. The silence outside was quickly replaced by police sirens and the area was blocked off by a cluster of squad cars.

Suffice it to say that I was panicked, confused, and more than a little worried. I’ve never been in a situation like that before, so I have no idea if my reactions were the ‘best’ ones or not, but they made sense to me at the time. Looking back, I’m surprised I didn’t scream or make any noise, but I think I was just dumbfounded more than anything and my instinct to be quiet/hide kicked into overdrive. Occam was thoroughly calm, and although alert, not at all frightened. He wrapped me in his arms and told me everything was fine. The cops had arrived, they were doing their jobs, and they would be knocking on our door at some point to talk to us. He went to the door and observed what was happening outside (I peeked very briefly once or twice, but overall felt much better sitting on the ground with my cat).

Without going into too many details, I will say that a bullet found its way into the house (no one was injured). We spoke to the police, documented the damage, and then (as odd as this may sound) everything went back to normal. I’ve been processing my emotions (from disbelief, confusion, and shock to feeling anxious, worried, sad, and apprehensive) and Occam has been an absolute rock. Had I been alone, there’s no doubt in my mind that my reaction(s) would have been very different, as well as my ability to process everything. He’s been nothing short of amazing through all of this. He has been calm, logical, patient, and comforting. Initially I just wanted to stay inside, but Occam coaxed me into going out for some food and to take care of some light errands together. I’m really glad he did that, because otherwise going out would have probably just made me more and more anxious the longer I waited. If I start to feel overwhelmed, Occam simply helps me calm down and stay focused. My reactions have been very proportionate considering the situation (I haven’t been hysterical or inconsolable by any means) mostly just a bit more jumpy and sensitive than usual. Sticking to our normal schedule has helped as well (ditto on working out).

Fortunately no one was hurt, and only property was damaged. There are a few theories about who did this and why, but it’s all speculation (no official word one way or the other). For privacy concerns I won’t be posting more information about this incident (apologies ahead of time).

I find a great deal of comfort in the fact that we both handled things well, and also that Occam wasn't jarred into unusual behavior patterns during (or after) the event. I know first-hand now that Occam is not one to buckle when things get a bit hairy, and it's comforting to know that he made not only our safety in general a priority - but also that he was focused on my well-being as well.

I am relieved and grateful beyond words, and overwhelmed with love not only for Occam - but for everything in my life.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Take care and be well. :0)