> We're both pretty badly shaken by the whole thing, and don't really have any idea what to do. It's as though our lives have been raped. Violated. I can't speak for Amber about this, but I know that I, for one, feel very alone.

I can identify with this feeling, although I've not yet had anything this extreme happen to me. Random thievery is one of the most selfish acts of crime; it sacrifices someone else's personal security, peace of mind, and, as was unfortunately the case with you, often sentimental articles, for a lot less gain on the part of the perpetrator. It's depraved. I cannot conceive of the corruption of the heart that permits one to do things like this. At such times, I have to remind myself of my faith that God will right all wrongs in the end just to keep myself sane.

I don't blame you one iota for feeling the way you do. So would I. I'm not sure what I could say to console you, either, except to assure you that you are NOT alone. Whatever happens, you've still got a whole crowd of us, including myself, who are concerned for your wellbeing and overcome with sorrow that we can't be physically present.