Wednesday, February 11, 2015

I Need Some Advice!

I have a memory like a steel trap.

In fact those are the exact words that I said in an email earlier this week to Mr. Attorney Man and I said them because they are true. If you say something to me, if we go somewhere, if we see something, I'm going to remember it. I'm going to remember it down to the way your head was tilted and the shirt that you were wearing. I'm going to remember it by the way the room felt or the glances from the people walking by. I don't simply just remember things, I re-live the memory.

I've often wondered about this memory of mine because I am keenly aware that it is not the norm. I remember things that no one else does and I remember it in such detail that I literally feel like I've pulled it out of a filing cabinet and am watching the memory on film in my brain. Because I am a nerd I have spent quite a bit of time wondering why my memory is the way that it is and the conclusion that I've come to is that I am simply more present in the moment than most people. I mean sure, I could be some kind of super genius or something, but the more likely answer is that after years of abuse (and several years of stalking) I have learned to be hyper aware of my surroundings. When you spend your life living like a prey animal, you learn to take note of the details. Have you ever watched a rabbit outside? Sure they are eating, munching on some grass, but you can tell that they are vitally aware of every. single. thing. that is going on around them because they know that they are milliseconds away from being snatched up by a hawk.

That's kind of how I feel.

When I'm walking with someone they often ask me "what are you looking for?" because they see me constantly looking around and the answer in my brain is "I don't know and that's why I'm looking at everything." If I'm having lunch with someone and a person walks past, to me it's not just a person walking past, it's "how many times has that person walked past? Is that the same guy that walked past me yesterday? Have I seen this guy before?" Every detail is important because every detail could mean danger.

My ex never talked to me, he only lied to my face. For ten years every conversation we had was a bunch of lies that were left up to me to decipher. While I may not be the best at reading people, because of my ex I'm extremely good at remembering every single thing someone says. Since he never told the truth I would just gather everything he said into my brain Rolodex and when I needed a real answer for something I would pull out all our prior conversations and piece together what made the most sense. Because of that I tend to remember every insignificant thing people tell me because in my brain, that might be useful information one day. 

I think that when you become so accustomed to focusing on every detail going on around you and every word that was said, you tend to remember more in general because it's the details that really pull the whole picture together and create a lasting memory.

So a steel trap it is, a brain full of jumbled up nonsensical information mixed with just enough actual intellect to keep it chugging along. A memory that holds a lifetime of stories and a brain that has witnessed a lifetime of hurt.

A brain that is currently trying to protect me from that hurt.

You guys, I can't remember anything from the rape night anymore.

Like...nothing except for a few feelings that I wish I couldn't remember.

The details are gone.

In fact when I read the blog pages dating back to that time I feel like...have you ever been watching a movie and started thinking "have I seen this before? I mean I feel like I've seen it, but I don't remember seeing it" and as the movie continues on you become more certain that you've seen it, yet you still really can't remember it?

Do you know what I'm talking about??

It feels like that. Like I can almost remember it, but I can't.


Which seems like it would be great and all, but it's not. I obviously don't want to remember that night, but yet...I do.

I do because I'm having a hard time dealing with something that I can't really remember anymore. Like the pain is still there, but I can't remember that night enough to figure out how to deal with it.

Lately someone has been stealing my mail. Now in the realm of my life I realize that "stolen mail" doesn't even make it on the charts in the "things that suck" category, but everything surrounding the stolen mail is putting it on the charts.

So as I just said, someone has been stealing my mail. Gift cards that were sent to me for Christmas were stolen and used before I even knew they were gone. Four packages were swiped off my front porch that were also sent to me for Christmas. The mail from Mr. Attorney Man's office was opened and stuck back in the mailbox. A paycheck from one of the companies I write for was taken completely. The list goes on and on and just gets more and more annoying. I've rerouted everything to a PO box and while the "mail" issue is working itself out, it's everything surrounding it that I'm having a hard time with.

Who is doing this? Is it my ex? Do I have a neighbor that has turned on me? Is this someone from my family? Do I have another stalker? Is it the same stalker? 

Because of where my mailbox is located in my townhouse complex, I can't logistically have a camera facing the mailbox. I've been filing police reports over the phone like crazy but then I hesitate to pursue the issue any further (my town is not like on TV where the police actually follow up with you on their own, my town sucks). I hesitate because last time all this stalking stuff occurred it ended with me being raped. Last time I was actually in the police station I was there because I had just been raped. Last time I talked with an investigator I was in an interrogation room being asked about the rape.

**For those of you who have not read the back posts of this blog, I'm going to ask you to pause right here and read this before you continue on. If you don't read about the disaster that was my rape "investigation," then the rest of this article will not make any sense to you.**

A month or two later when I called the social worker at the police department to follow up, she said "Eden I think you really need to get a copy of the police report from the night of the rape and read it."

She wouldn't tell me why except that she felt the police were not doing their jobs and that it was important that I read the report (she couldn't discuss the report information until I filed a freedom of information act form to have the report released to me).

Why!? What does it say? WHAT COULD IT POSSIBLY SAY!?

Does it have details that I don't know about, things they found out from the neighbors? Does it have details they found out from their investigation? Does it say if the police anything at all? Does it paint me in a bad light as a terrible witness and possibly crazy? I mean I really was a terrible witness from the get-go. I do remember that even immediately after it happened my recollection of the incident was sketchy at best. I remember feeling as if I were there, but at the same time as if I wasn't, and because of that I often wonder if I just looked like a big fat liar because I could give them virtually no details.

It's been about 13 months now since she told me that and I think about it everyday, yet I still haven't gotten a copy of the report because I don't know if I can handle it. Is it going to jog my memory? Is it better to remember and deal with it or is it better to just let the traumatic memories fade?

I want to pursue this whole mail thing and yet I don't because I'm scared of what happened last time I went to the police for help. When I was being stalked and I filed a dozen reports and even went into the station with Mr. Attorney Man to tell them someone was stalking me, and they didn't do a damn thing about it. Then I got raped.

I'm afraid of being made to feel worthless again and left to fend for myself.

Yet I'm also scared of being stalked. I'm terrified because the stalking last time started with stolen mail.

I know that at this point I need to get the police involved in a deeper sense than just filing phone reports for stolen mail, but I don't know how to do that when I only have half the story of my own life. "Hi, yes. I was stalked for a really long time, then I got raped and saw the guy and everything, and now I'm being stalked again. I think it might be the same guy. No, I can't tell you what he looked like or if I've seen him around lately because I can't remember any of that night or even him for that matter. No, I have absolutely no recollection of the person whose body was pressed up against mine."

Yep, that seems so helpful.

So this time, that steel trap memory of mine, it's shut the door and left me on the wrong side.


I know that if I read the report that it might help me remember at least some of what happened, but I know my memory. I know that I don't forget things and the fact that I can't remember any of that night is a big red flag that my psyche is doing its damnedest to try and protect me from reliving what happened. I know this is how trauma works, I talk to women about this all the time in the support groups I run. I'm not naive to the fact that I'm dealing with a very real case of PTSD here but in many respects I'm thankful for that issue because I don't know if I could handle reliving the details of that night on a daily basis.

I know I almost didn't survive the memories the first time.

You all know that my children mean the world to me and I would do anything for them right? Well in the first few days after the rape I was the worst mom ever. Like...ever. I mean I took care of them and all, but not because I wanted to, just because I had to. It got to the point that I actually called Mr. Attorney Man and asked him if there was a way I could put the kids in temporary foster care because "I can't handle them right now."

Me. Me, who lives her entire life for her children was willing to give them away because I was in THAT much pain. That scares the ever loving shit out of me and I don't ever want to go through that again.

So will remembering cause me to relive that pain? Or is choosing not to remember what happened putting me in danger of actually reliving it again?

Is it better for me to just keep moving forward and away from the trauma, or is it necessary for me to first go backwards and see if I can remember anything that will help me (and the police) determine if I am being stalked again?

Ugh, you guys, what do I do!?

There is really no tie up for the end of this post because that's how it feels in my brain.

I really just don't know what to do.

Help?


Photo Credits
Locked Gate
Girl

36 comments:

  1. I might get a copy of the report, have someone else read it, then you can ask them about some details but not others that way you don't have to know everything.

    I might also go the police station in person and tell them about how you think you're being stalked and having mail stolen.

    Maybe you could also borrow a big dog for daytime, or nighttime? You could also look into fostering a big dog. I'm not sure how fostering works but I think the group pays for everything.

    And if you wanted to borrow/pet sit a dog you still wouldn't pay for it.

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    1. "Hi, can I borrow your dog?" That made me laugh :) I'm not sure I could handle a dog right now on top of everything that is going on, but maybe I should put a big ass dog bowl on the front porch and some kind of "pro-gun" sign in the window!

      Having someone else read it first is a good idea.

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    2. or, Hi I think I may have a stalker can I borrow/pet sit your dog for protection? But yeah you would still have to care for it even if you don't have to pay anything.

      Have you thought about motion detector lights? I might recommend moving to an area with a better police force/presence but not sure if you can afford that. Even just moving to a different area, whether it's cheaper or the same would probably help.

      If your mail is being stolen from the po box, well then there's a problem with the post office.

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  2. Those gift cards people send you have a code and are easily identifiable I'm sure if you go to the store they were used they can tell when they were used and what was bought with it probably they would even have it on their store security cameras recorded too and they could use the video to find the culprit.

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    1. I was able to find out what store it was used at, called the store, and they did not have a camera. How do places not have cameras these days!?

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  3. Do you still have the contact information for the police officer who was so helpful after your window was broken? Contact him, even if he can't personally help you he may be able to direct you to someone in the department he trusts.

    (Sorry if this is a repeat comment, I don't think it posted the original?)

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    1. I do, he was the one that took all the reports. He told me that he personally put them on the investigators desk, but no one ever called me. He gave me his cell phone number but at this point it's really up to me to pursue it with the investigations department :(

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  4. I am so sorry to hear you are going through all this. I don't remember any of the times I was raped. I frequently dissociate from things that are scary or unpleasant. I know these things happened, but that's about it. In some ways, I think it's made my recovery far more difficult than it already is. I'm not sure if it would be a good idea to work with a therapist or if that would make things worse in the long run. It's something I go back and forth on a lot, personally. I wish I could be more helpful. Hang in there!

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    1. Yea, I think I def need to check in with my therapist :(

      I'm sorry that you are struggling as well :(

      *hugs*

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  5. It might be better to confront this, but I'm speaking from the realm of inexperience. I will support you in whatever you choose. *hugs*

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  6. I think you should definitely get a copy of the report.

    I know I haven't commented in a while, but I do check in a lot. I thought you were 100% right to break up with that guy a little while back.

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    1. Aw hey stranger :)

      Thanks, I miss the dude but I don't have any regrets :)

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  7. I think Mr. Attorney Man should read it first. If he truly reads this blog than he already knows all your fears and since I'm assuming he is involved in your legal issues maybe he would be the good balance to read it and determine what you need to know or not.

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    1. I pester that guy so much as it is I can't imagine being like "oh and hey...can you also do this other thing for me?"

      It's a great idea though!!!

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  8. You should see if you could get one of those exploding dye packs that they put in the money they give to the bank robbers... it would be really interesting when they opened THAT piece of stolen mail!!! ;-)

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    1. Haha! Nice!! I was seriously considering leaving like a $10 walmart gift card in the mailbox so that I could track it to a store that I know has cameras!

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    2. That's a good idea!!

      I'm so sorry that's what you might have to resort to though :(

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  9. Agreed with the folks who say get the report and let someone else read it first. Let Mr. Attorney Man go pick it up for you if you're worried that if you touch it, you'll read it.

    You know me, Eden. I say go make a report about the mail. Show that it's repeated, and a pattern, and tell them about the sexual assault and the last time this pattern happened. If they don't take it seriously, at least you've done your best. And if they don't take it seriously and something awful happens...........Well, then you can sue the everliving shit out of them. And don't be afraid to bring out the statistics about violence against women, domestic violence, and murder. Let them know in no uncertain terms that if you end up raped or murdered, there will be hell to pay.

    Anyway, I also agree that your brain is protecting you for a reason. My experience has been that you'll start remembering it when your brain knows you can handle it......And not a moment sooner. Also, however, in my experience, a great therapist makes all the difference. Hang in there, doll. *HUGS*

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    1. And this is why we get along, because we think the same way. Last time I did go into the station armed with statistics and subtle threats and reminders of everything they were doing wrong, and something bad STILL happened. Technically I could "sue the everliving shit out of them" now. It's something I think about often. :/ It's something the social worker even suggested. "Hit em' where it hurts" she said, "we need to have some changes made around here."

      But yes, I don't think my brain can handle it yet and that scares me. But I'm not sure my brain could really handle dying either... :(

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    2. Dying is bad, yes. :( Let's not, Mmmmmkay?

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  10. I'm sure the Attorney Man has told you that stealing or tampering with the U.S. Mail is a FEDERAL offense. !!! (U.S. Code 18 Sec. 1708, to be specific.) If you sicc the Feds on this, they will track them down (esp. if they used Gift Cards where there are cameras, etc.) and they will probably get in more trouble than if they physically attacked you (ironically.) Here's what it says: "Under United States Code 18 Section 1708, federal mail theft is a felony. If you are charged with mail theft, you could face up to five years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000."

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    1. Three times now I have filed a report with the mail investigation department (did you know there is a whole department for that? I had no idea) and no one has EVER followed up with me. :(

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    2. That is suspicious. Is your police department just really corrupt or do they have something against you personally?

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    3. Oh it's definitely not just me, it's a huge problem. So bad they lost their government funding for their domestic abuse program because of it.

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  11. Maybe you can call a non profit that works with abused women and tell them your story. They might have good advice for dealing with unhelpful cops and your situation in general.

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    1. I called the shelter in my area and they were just as frustrated with the police as I was. I started my own nonprofit largely in part due to the disconnect with the services we have and the governmental community, and just like our shetler we also haven't been able to bridge the gap with the police.

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  12. Since I've been actively avoiding dealing with something that's causing me to re-live painful memories, but will ultimately help me move forward, I know exactly how you feel. But I've learned that unless I'm able to confront it head on, I won't ever really be okay. I have to tell myself that I'm strong enough, even though I don't think it's true, because I can't go on thinking "What if I did something about it?" Ultimately, when I get to the bottom of this, I know I will be better off - and you will be too.

    You also now have a blog full of people who will support you in this, which you didn't have back then. Don't forget that! ;)

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    1. That's pretty much exactly like a post I wrote a few months ago. Gee, nothing like having your own advice pretty much served right back to you lol. So what are you going to do!?

      I love my readers :)

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  13. Sorry this is stressing you out right now. From the other comments here, it sounds like your situation with indistinct memories of your rape is not uncommon. I agree with those who have suggested having Mr. Attorney Man read the report first. I know you feel guilty about asking him for additional help, but this is something you are asking him to do as a friend, not as your lawyer. Another prospect is your former boyfriend, the detective.

    As usual, MzFuzz is a fount of wisdom - meaning, I agree with her ;)

    All the usual hugs, plus a few extra ones for good measure.

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    1. Maybe I'll just get the report and mail it to him. I'll just stick a post it on it saying "read this and tell me if I should read it!" He reads this blog, he will know what I'm doing lol.

      I actually broke my rule of not reaching out to ex's and ran the whole thing by the detective. He didn't have any sound advice :(

      *hugs*

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    2. You told the detective your whole story?

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    3. Yep. Well if you remember back from the post "well that was an interesting turn of events" in August I had already told him some of my past, so I just filled him in with a few more details.

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  14. Do you have any other options, such as a police officer friend? Did you ever install cameras around your house? Have you ever had an ambulance or firefighters come to your house? I am a little baffled that the police came to your house the night you were raped instead of an ambulance. Ambulance workers are trained to handle trauma sensitively, and take care of health first of all before any interrogation happens. If (god forbid) an assault happens again, I strongly recommend that you have an ambulance come. Healthcare workers are neutral, you will get treated for injuries and have some space before seeing the police, and it will add some weight to your report after. I'm not sure, and you would know better than me, but rape kits must be voluntary if completing one is invasive. I'm sorry the police suck so much.

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    1. I did get a camera, it streamed through wi-fi, but I couldn't afford to keep my internet so there goes that option!

      **have you guys seen any affordable cameras that don't require an internet connection?** Everyone I talked to said if it doesn't stream/record via the internet it's not worth the price. ??

      Yea no ambulance was called. I do remember being asked to go to the hopsital so maybe they would have called an ambulance then? They did a lot of things wrong. There are laws in place saying that certain things have to be done such as offering a rape advocate, providing verbal and written information on the services available, etc, and I know that was never done bc that's why I was talking to the social worker. That and bc the officers were totally innappropriate. The police around here are just awful!

      Thank you :)

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