Things that go bump in the night

"I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks, I do I do I do believe in spooks... " -- The Cowardly Lion

I have never seen a ghost. But I suspect they have seen me.

Tales of the unexplained are common in my side of the family. Between the lot of us, we've had covers and pillows tugged away in the night; we've seen orbs, and we've had lights that turn themselves on; objects have appeared in unexpected places or have moved without any visible cause. We've caught dark figures at the edge of sight, and one of us even had a horrifying encounter with a shadow man. At times, urgent rapping and banging sounds emanate from inside closed cabinets and from certain empty rooms. The events span decades, and have occurred in a number of houses in several states. The common denominator seems to be us: my mother, sister, brother and myself. And my kids have had a few odd experiences of their own. It would seem that we attract this kind of thing.

For the most part, I remain a fascinated observer of the paranormal field. Experiences come to me, but I don't go looking for them. It is tantalizing to think of an alternate reality just beyond our senses, but deliberately stepping into that reality feels like a bad idea.

So. Sometimes I think I'd like to see a ghost. Other times I remember to be careful what I wish for.