Wordy, that question could probably be asked of everyone who has ever lived. For one thing, we often don't notice when something extraordinary has happened- we really have no way of knowing how often we or someone we love has come out unscathed from a perilous situation.

One evening while I was living alone in a large house museum I glanced at the clock and the thought came to me that if I hurried I could get downtown to the public library before it closed to return a checked out book. I didn't even question the impulse.The book wasn't even due yet although I had finished reading it.

Anyway I grabbed the book and my coat and trotted down the two flights of stairs and on out.

When I came home, it was evident that someone had been, not only in the house, but in my apartment.

I'm with Mike here- I think I was being guarded from a traumatic experience.