More than just money and possessions lost in recent robbery

SooToday.com received the following letter from faithful reader, loving mother, and hard-working Algoma University student Dana Chalifoux regarding a recent robbery, during which she lost far more than just money and possessions.

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I recently moved (in the last four days) into a new apartment on Wellington Street with my two-year-old daughter.

I am finishing up my final course at Algoma U in the Bachelor of Social Work Program and had my new home robbed while I was attending class last evening.

I came home alone at approximately 10 p.m. to find my doors opened and my apartment a complete mess.

I already KNOW for CERTAIN who stole from me due to many reasons.

Because of barriers and gaps in the legal system, the police officers who were so kind to assist me could not do anything about it, nor my landlord who knows that they have a history of this sort of behaviour.

I do not know if these "wonderful" people read sootoday, or if they will ever see this, but I have a message for you...

You stole the most important thing from me.

It wasn't my purses, wallets, or clothing.

It wasn't my favourite watch or the ring that was passed down through the generations in my family.

It wasn't the locket I received on my first mother's day, and it wasn't even the ring that was so precious to me.

It was my safety.

You stole my sense of safety and ability to be comfortable in my own home.

My landlord can put brand new windows, doors, and alarms in.

She could even have five body guards standing outside and I still will no longer feel safe.

If anybody has ever experienced this you know how horrible it can be to come home to your personal space violated.

I am now in a safe place and have still checked the locks on the door more than 10 times.

I have jumped at every small noise, and have felt nervous while encountering strangers.

One thing I know for sure is that I am a good person, working as hard as possbile to create a bright future for my daughter and I.

I start my day at 6 a.m. and it usually does not end until 1 the next morning.

I am a full-time mom, a full-time student, and am finishing a full-time placement.

I am financially strained as a student doing what I have to in order to make it through the final semester of school.

I could have really used the money you stole to buy groceries.

I could have used the spa certificate you stole to enjoy some self-care, if I could ever find the time.

But again, what I could use the most right now as I lay awake not able to sleep is my SAFETY.

I hope you lose what is important to you one day, just for a moment - to feel what I am feeling right now.

I hope you one day understand the pain you have caused me and I hope that one day you feel bad about this.

If the guilt of your conscience from stealing from a single mother doesn't get to you, don't worry because your karma will.

Dana Chalifoux

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