Understanding those we help

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Understanding those we help
March 31, 2009
JC Harris

Alright, the vast majority of you that read my column are either ghost hunters, fans of the paranormal shows or at the least, fascinated by the subject. We all love going to an old house and looking for proof that a spirit inhabits the home or at least watching someone else go in and establish proof. We get a rush from the anticipation after we get the phone call that we have a new case. We call the team and discuss the case, who is going to do what and where to meet. We clear all the recorders to make room for new evidence. That’s what we do, right?
Now, I want you to look at this from a slightly different angle. This time you are on the other end of the phone. You and your spouse just bought your dream home, an old Victorian style fixer upper. The house is more than you thought you could afford but you got a great deal on it. It needs some work but it has plenty of room for your little boy and the baby. Before you move in you do some minor repairs, paint and new carpets throughout the house. You noticed some unusual noises but told yourself it is an old house and old houses make noise. You dismissed the shadows as tired eyes and paint fumes.
Finally, the big day comes and you move the family in. Everyone’s excitement turns to weariness after a long day of arranging furniture and unpacking. The kids crash early as you and your spouse set back on the couch and discuss future renovations. What a day. What a life. Could it get any better? Good marriage, healthy kids and a great house, God has truly blessed you. Then, without warning, your son screams in terror. Both of you run upstairs to his room where he is hidden beneath the covers sobbing violently. When you ask him what’s wrong all he can do is point to a corner of the room. You comfort him and carry him to your room to sleep with you and your spouse. That night you are awakened several times by footsteps, strange noises and the baby crying much more than usual. The next day everyone is tired and a little irritable due to lack of sleep and the pressures of moving. Over the next week, the noises get louder and harder to dismiss. You and your spouse see things that scare you and the kids are terrified in the house. You look for any explanation you can find to reason away what’s happening. You are worn out physically and mentally. You can’t accept that your dream home is haunted.
The second week is no better. You and your spouse are fighting continuously, the kids are both sick and losing weight and things at work are getting bad. You’ve had to leave early a couple of times to rush home and you’ve fallen asleep at your desk twice. In two short weeks your perfect life has turned into a living Hell. You’re at your wits end and desperate for relief. Someone has to help but whom? Who do you call for help with something that doesn’t exist? There is no such thing as ghosts or demons. How do you fix this nightmare and put your family back together? In desperation, you search the internet for someone. You find thousands of paranormal teams but which ones are serious and have the experience to help? Finally, with nothing to lose you talk to a friend who knows someone who is a ghost hunter. You pick up the phone and call them.
Now, not every case is this dramatic but to the family that placed the phone call it is no less traumatic. So it’s critical that we, who answer the call, understand and respect the people on the other end of the line. To them it’s not a matter of collecting evidence but helping them with their problem. So please remember this the next time the phone rings and the voice on the other end asks for your help.