ART & STORY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER
If you’ve ever had to look at mug shots at a police office. let me tell you, it’s not an easy task. I had the experience when I was working for a loan company at the age of 21. This is a true story, but before I get into it, take a look at all the above studies of various animals and one fellow put in for good measure. Pretty easy to determine what’s what. Paul had a keen eye for creating paintings, sketches, watercolors and wood sculptures that looked pretty much like the real thing. He was a gifted artist who made a career through his art. It wasn’t a hobby for him, though in his later years, he spent almost every day with a paintbrush, pencil or chisel in his hand.
Now to my story. It was the end of the workday. I was excited for the day to end because I was going for a fitting of my wedding dress after work. I quickly tallied the contents of my cash drawer and locked it up and was about to add the checks to be deposited. Just as I heard the click of that key, a couple of men entered the office wearing face masks and carrying guns. They focused on me mainly, because I was closest to the cash drawers. They told the other two employees to get down on their knees close their eyes.
All kinds of thoughts went through my mind. I was supposed to get married in a few weeks. My life was just beginning. My early years rushed through my mind as I imagined I wasn’t long for this world. One of the men came to me and told me to open the drawer as the other held his gun on the others. I tried as hard as I could to open the drawer, but it wouldn’t open. The more I tried, the harder it seemed to resist. Finally, the man told me to get down on the floor and count my blessings. Then there was an eerie silence. It seemed like time stood still for a while. There was no sound – no movement – nothing. In those brief seconds, I prayed that God would spare us any injury or even death.
At last, one of the other employees spoke. “They’re gone! They went out the back door. Get up and someone call the cops.”
Apparently, the nightmare was over, but was it? The police dusted for fingerprints and interviewed me, since I was the only one to interact with the thieves. They said I’d have to come to the station and look at some mug shots. I wondered how that was going to help, since I saw neither of their faces. Still, I agreed. When I got there, I assumed it would be like those lineups on TV which show a few people under blinding lights, line up with no ability to see who was looking at them. The witness would look through a glass one way window to see if any of the people looked familiar. It wasn’t that way at all.
There was no way I could recognize either of these guys. They were all about the same size. There was no glass window, nothing separating me from them. When the lights went out, they all filed out, right in front of me.
I told the police the perps were wearing masks, but they said they were more interested in the body size, weight any tattoos, color of hair and things like that. It was impossible to imagine what they looked like under those face masks. One voice sounded like the manager of the bowling alley nearby. Not being sure about anything made me an unreliable witness, so they sent me home. The next day there was an article in the newspaper about the robbery – along with a photograph of me (that looked like one of those mugshots I had viewed) along with my address, age and name.
I had escaped death, by the grace of God. However, I still felt terribly vulnerable due to the fact that the robbers would most likely see my mugshot in the newspaper and come after me. My soon-to-be husband rescued me and took me to his family’s summer home where I stayed until the heat cooled off.
The robbery was unsuccessful so there was no more police involvement, but like most things that are done for personal gain, someone will be affected, and I was. It took a long time for me to go back to that job, but I did. Not to mention I’m still here to tell the tale.
THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!
atimetoshare.me 
They really published your name, address, and photograph? Were they just trying to get you killed?
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Your husband was really talented. That robbery attempt was a really scary ordeal. I was almost involved in a robbery at about the same age as you. I was working for a car rental company in Chicago during summer break from college in the heart of downtown. I went upstairs to bring a car down to the first floor. I was only gone for a few minutes, and some guy came into the rental office. He robbed my work associates of everything in the cash drawer and fled the scene. Although I wasn’t directly involved in the robbery, I was nervous about going to work for quite some time.
Why in the world would the newspaper put all of your personal information in the article about the robbery attempt. CRAZY!
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I agree about Paul’s talent. Every day I find another facet of that talent. He has left a legacy through his work, which i experience every time I find an undiscovered piece. It makes me sad to think of his works sitting inboxes and closets continuing to go unnoticed. As far as the way my adventure left so many scars has been a great
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It was crazy, but even then God was guiding my path. He continues to lead me through dark times into the light every day. That kind of event doesn’t leave you. To think of all the possible scenarios I can’t thank God enough for his protection,
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There is nothing like the protection of the Lord. Publishing your photo, name, address, and age. Media at that time, did not operate the same way that they do now. Newspapers were looking to sell papers not protect the innocent. Kathy, it was God’s grace that protected you. You did not let fear, stop you.
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Mama K!!! This story gave me goosebumps, chill bumps, and a PRAISE GOD that you’re ok. God was truly watching out for you! I have a story–not quite the same, but you will relate to it.
When the boys’ dad and I were first married we had a tiny house in the small rural town by my parents.
An escaped convict from Kansas had been chased through the cornfield behind our house. My husband and my Dad were going to a football game and I thought the noise I heard in the garage was my Dad returning some tools. I opened the door to find a man kneeling 2 feet from me with blood running down his leg, he was holding a knife staring at me. The county police had already been called. I ran to the bedroom to get my husband’s gun. The story goes on that I ran all around the block to my parent’s home. Eventually he was taken in custody. That week my husband left on a work training trip and a random car would come by at night and sit in front of the house. I was scared! (trying to pressure me not to press charges the police shared).
My twin and another friend came to stay with me. Come to find out, there was a posse of these guys that had escaped and were staying at a motel about 20 miles from our little town. I ended pressing charges. They were all extradited back to Kansas. But it left an imprint in me that I’ll never forget!
I’ve never been held up by someone with a gun. I can’t imagine that I would have had to pick him out from a line out since he and I made eye contact. But for the paper to publish it?? How dangerous!!!
Paul’s paintings/mug shots are outstanding. The entire world needs to see his work. What a gifted man he was! And everything to you. Like always, God has taken care of you every step of the way–through it all!!! I love you so much, Mama K!
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I wish everyone could see the body of work Paul created too. It seems so wasted sitting in crates for storage. I can find things painted within each one. Little hints as to how he was feeling or what he was thinking.
It’s been so hot here so I can’t get outside to work on my garden. The weeds are having a heyday. Staying inside is mandatory for my breathing issues. I’ve been kind of going stir crazy being stuck inside. I hope you are doing well. I know you don’t t post a lot anymore so I’m really glad when o hear from you. Prayers as always for you and your family.
Your story about the intruder had me hanging on every word. Sometimes I wonder why God chooses for us to go through things like this. Maybe He’s trying to get our attention. Love you sweet girl💕
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Mama–he definitely got our attention didn’t he?? Oh my!
Yes, it’s so hot here too. After my last hospital stay, I was sent home on oxygen. I started weaning off of it and had ANOTHER infection (today is my last day of antibiotics). I’ve lost some mobility due to a foot and ankle issue. My bones aren’t well (I lost 5 1/2 % mass density even with treatments because of the metastasis and treatments, we believe). So I’ve been to many dr’s appts. But I try to enjoy every day! If I have 3-4 good hours, I make the most of it! I wasn’t expecting quite a summer like this, but I know that it makes my communion with Christ even tighter! You know more than anyone! You always inspire ME!
I have a little light weight scooter now so that I can be independent. Hopefully we will get my bones back in order and help me be more active.
I do dream that everyone could see Paul’s work!!! And the world is better because you both were part of it. People would be blessed to know you. Please keep taking care. Even when I don’t “see” you, I hold you in my heart and pray for you, Mama K. Much love!❣️❣️❣️
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Thanks for the sketches and for the entertaining story, Kathy! I had a gun pointed at me once in my life…by a policeman…but that’s gist for a future post.
Wow! They printed your personal details in the paper? Society has been declining over the decades, but at least nowadays “they” know to keep personal details out of the paper (although with today’s internet tools it’s often easy to get the unpublished details).
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I know it seems unbelievable but times have changed. At least they changed putting personal info into a news story. They got one thing right.
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Kathy, your story shares unimaginable emotions. It appears that the robbers were just as nervous as you. Paul’s sketches welcome an extra view. Some of the eyes seem to penetrate right through me.
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It was a frightful experience on many levels. Paul had a way of capturing animals and I agree that the eyes seem to penetrate and follow.
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