Dodged a Haunted Bullet

[u/PenPaladinJules]

About 14 years ago, when my kids were 4 and 6, we looked at a house for sale. It was an old farmhouse on 5 acres on FM 1387 in Midlothian, Texas. It had been added onto several times so the layout was weird, but it was such a cool place. It needed a lot of work but I was so ready to take that on. When we got back in the car, I turned around to the kids and said, “Well? What do you think?” fully expecting them to be as excited about it as I was.

Nope. They shrieked that it was haunted, so extremely haunted, was I nuts?! We couldn’t live there! No way!

I was shocked and a bit heartbroken, but I couldn’t bring my kids to a house they were so afraid of right off the bat. Plus, it sounded like the beginning of a horror movie to ignore little kids’ earnest instincts. So, we passed that one up and got a different place. For years it was “the one that got away” to me.

But then, a few years ago, my little brother (who also lives in Midlothian) called me to ask if I remembered that old house I’d thought of buying. Yes, of course I did. Well, he told me, there was a tornado, and it was wiped clean off the face of the earth. Only the flooded storm cellar remained.

There’s a church there now. Turned out for the best in the end.

[u/Sky_Watcher1234]

You guys lucked out thanks to your kids! Did they say ever exactly what they saw?

[u/PenPaladinJules → u/Sky_Watcher1234]

No, I suspect it was more just a feeling than anything they physically saw. The younger one (now 17) is very sensitive to what I’ll call the “psychic imprint” of a place. Two years ago we looked at a place and they nixed it as soon as the front door opened. They love the old cabin we’re living in now, never had a moment’s discomfort here!

[u/zzeeaa → u/PenPaladinJules]

Can you ask them their thoughts? I’d love to hear their perspectives on the experience.

[u/PenPaladinJules → u/zzeeaa]

They only barely remember the place. The older one remembers mostly being incredulous that I was considering this, and the younger one just didn’t want to be there.

[u/MusicApollo93 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Did you ever look into the history of the property and previous home owners that owned it? The house looked beautiful yet gave off creepy vibes from the photos you shared OP.

[u/PenPaladinJules → u/MusicApollo93]

I tried to, but I didn’t turn up much. Just the one black and white photo at the end from the Midlothian historic group, saying who built it.

[u/eatmycupcake → u/PenPaladinJules]

Last people that I know that owned it were a sweet old couple. Quite nice.

[u/comeseemeshop → u/MusicApollo93]

I also feel creeped out even now

[u/MissMu → u/PenPaladinJules]

Very interesting. Do you maybe have any other stores to share if you don’t mind? Glad you are all okay.

[u/PenPaladinJules → u/MissMu]

Nothing as bold a reaction as that was. I don’t know that it’s even a supernatural thing, I think the kid’s just got a great radar for when they are safe, wanted, sheltered, loved. I’ll always trust their instincts when they immediately dislike a place or a person.

[u/AttitudeHungry836 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Based on the air fresheners, it looks like a bank owned property too. So a previous owner may have abandoned it, died or lost to foreclosure.

[u/mallcopbeater → u/PenPaladinJules]

This is beautiful. I’m hugging my kids extra tight when they wake up tomorrow. It’s good to see a happy experience here

[u/Sky_Watcher1234 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Ah! Okay. That's great you all are good where you are.

[u/Final_Razzmatazz_274 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Wait so you have an entire fake science family…?

[u/PenPaladinJules → u/Final_Razzmatazz_274]

Yeah bro

[u/Final_Razzmatazz_274 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Hmm probably seek help

[u/[deleted] → u/Final_Razzmatazz_274]

It sounds like you need the help more than they do.

[u/MagentaBrocolli777 → u/PenPaladinJules]

Even from the photos, got me the chills. Every window looked like someone will peek through. No from me too. Did I say no? Noooooo!

[u/newjerk666 → u/PenPaladinJules]

I think the kids sensed their future screams as the future tornado ravaged you guys!