“My Gun May Have Saved My Life, and I Didn’t Even Fire a Shot”
by Vicki Young
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I live in a very rural area on a gravel road. There is only one neighbor in sight of my house and the closest police station is more than a half hour away. People do not just show up on my doorstep without calling first to be sure I will be here as it is so very far away from civilization. At the time this happened, I was a single mother with two boys ages 5 and 7. No one else was living in the home.

I unlocked and opened the door a small crack and said, “If you know my neighbors, then you know I am a recluse. I do not discuss my work with my neighbors and I do not invite strangers into my home.”

“Then can you come out here and talk a bit?” he asked. “I just want to talk about your work.”

“No. You are intruding on my privacy. If you want to talk about my work, write my fan club or visit me when I am performing. I do not discuss my career when I am not at work.” I was adamant and clear.

“Awe, come on! I just want to talk to you a little. Can’t I come in?!” he insisted.

At this point, he moved towards the door with his hand. My right foot was blocking it, keeping it from being opened more than the 3 inches it was. I brought my right hand into view from behind the door, showing him I was armed, but not pointing the gun directly at him. He made no move to back away. I felt I had no option but to be more forceful.

“Look, I have tried to be nice, now I am telling you, get off my property!” I pointed my gun directly at his gut. He backed away, off my porch and left.

As a follow up, I immediately called the neighbors whose name he had mentioned. They told me they had gone to high school with this guy and he had a record for breaking and entering. I hung up the phone and reported the incident to the police. I have had no problems with him or anyone else since.

Vicki Young