Our doors were seldom locked. There were no nearby neighbors just rolling fields of wheat, corn, soybeans, or pasture. Until I was in high school, we had no security lights anywhere on the farm. The was a light on a pole in the barnyard that could be turned off and on when needed. There was a porch light at the front door and one at the back, but only used when someone knocked on the door or visitors came after dark. It was more for safety, being able to see the steps and the walkway to the car, not for security.
My trust was destroyed last week, when we discovered someone had entered our home uninvited and left with things that were not their own.
I know that the state of the world is not as it was when I was growing up. I understand the spam and scam emails I get, I have friends and relatives who have sophisticated alarm systems. I understand locking my car and being aware of my surroundings when I am out and about. I thought I was keeping up with the ways of the world.
I was wrong. I wasn’t cautious enough. I need to step up my game when it comes to security.
There is a new lock on the door to my kitchen/office. Plans for motion activated lights are in the works as well as a new back door with dead bolt and more security lights around the farm. The world is not like it was in the fifties and never will be again.
Retired Ruth 
There is nothing worse, in my opinion, than the sense of violation brought about by someone entering your house and stealing your possessions. I had it happen once (in the city) and I’ve never felt quite “safe” again. Hopefully it won’t ever happen again, but its certainly not something you expect living in the country. I sometimes get impatient with my husband when he insists upon locking all the doors when we go for a walk (which generally lasts 30+ minutes) but clearly he’s smarter than I am. I won’t be so complacent anymore.
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