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Poltergeist or What?

Posted on November 8, 2009

My story took place when I was about 10 or 11 years old, but I think it may have actually started a little earlier. When I was 8 years old, my parents, my younger sister, and I moved in with my grandmother. My grandfather had passed away earlier that year, leaving my grandmother lonely and needing help keeping the bills straight. We were there to make things a little easier for her.

The house was(is) an old brick townhouse with only 2 bedrooms on the top floor and a bedroom in the basement. My grandmother kept her room on the top floor, my parents took the basement room, leaving me in the other top floor bedroom. My younger sister, who was 2 or 3 at the time, was supposed to share my room but ended up sleeping with my grandmother most nights.

My grandfather had had an artificial leg (he lost one of his legs to gang green years before) so there was a very distinct sound when he climbed the stairs, like ‘step…thud, step…thud…’. One night not long after we moved in, I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep (I’ve always had trouble falling asleep, it can take hours before I finally zonk out) and the house was dark and quiet. I suddenly began hearing that distinct sound of my grandfather walking up the stairs. I pulled the blankets over my head as I listened, trying to tell myself that if it wasn’t my imagination then I still had nothing to fear, since my grandfather was such a kind and gentle person. I considered for a moment that maybe it was my father coming upstairs to use the bathroom (at the time we only had one bathroom which was on the top floor next to my room, meaning you had to walk past my room to get to it). I came out from under the blanket and watched out my door for someone to pass by, but no one ever came.

Not long after this incident, I overheard my mother telling one of my aunts that my grandmother had heard my grandfather walking up the stairs a couple weeks back, around the same time I had heard it. I didn’t tell anyone that I had heard it too, but now I knew I wasn’t imagining things.

Nothing happened again until I was 10 or 11 (except for the occasional sound of those footsteps). I remember I was in the 5th grade, my sister was still sleeping in my grandmother’s room most nights, and I was, as always, still having trouble sleeping at night. I had a TV in my room at this point, and would lay in bed most nights watching reruns until I finally dozed off. Now, I don’t remember the exact sequence of all the events that occurred over the next year, but I remember the first one… I was laying there, watching TV, when I was startled by what sounded like someone knocking on my bedroom window. It was like someone knocking on a door that desperately wanted to come in. I was obviously afraid of what could have caused that, especially because my bedroom sat at back of the house, where the basement wasn’t fully underground, so I was nearly 3 floors up from the ground. The awning underneath my bedroom window was old, metal and rusty, and barely strong enough to support an occasional small pile of snow in the winter, let alone a person. Trying to be brave and show myself nothing was there, I walked over to the window and grabbed hold of the shade, ready to lift it and face whatever caused this noise, when my imagination got the best of me and I pictured this flying red demon waiting on the other side, so I chickened out and ran back to bed and pulled the covers over my head. It took me even longer to fall asleep that night.

After that night, many unexplained instances followed, and I seemed to be the only one in the house that experienced them. I wanted so badly to tell my family what was going on, but for some reason I felt that if I told them then whatever “it” was would just get angry and make things worse for me. So I kept my mouth shut while I suffered. Over the next year, something happened nearly every night. Often, I would hear someone that sounded like a child (or an adult trying to sound like a child) whispering my name and giggling. I would be laying in bed watching TV and my bedroom door would swing open all the way open, swing back but stop short of closing all the way (so it was opened just a crack) and then swing back open then almost shut again. This would go on for a good 5-10 minutes before it would just slam shut. Then it would unlatch and swing open a little while later, starting this sequence over again. I remember feeling that this wasn’t my grandfather, and often I would close my eyes and pray for him to come protect me from whatever was in my room.

One night, I had rolled over to try to fall asleep, when I heard my door open and my grandmother walk into the room (I also had that distinct ‘sixth sense feeling’ that you get when someone comes into a room). I thought she was coming in to turn my TV off, as she often did whenever she got up to go to the bathroom and thought I was asleep. As I rolled back over and said, “Grandma, I’m still awake” I realized no one was there. Yet, I could still strongly feel the presence of a person in my room. I felt it get closer to me, and the floor creaked at the foot of my bed and then along the side of my bed as though someone was walking around my room. It seemed to stop right next to me and I could feel this ‘presence’ or whatever it was as strong as ever. I was frozen with fear, I wanted to yell out for my grandmother but couldn’t get anything out. I really can’t describe it other then it just felt like something was standing there staring at me. I finally mustered up the strength to reach over and turn on my lamp. After what felt like an eternity, the ‘presence’ seemed to fade away, but I slept with the light on that night.

Another night, I heard someone coming up the stairs, and this time a man appeared at the top, turned and stared at me from the hallway. He was in all white, and I thought it was my father coming upstairs to use the shower, carrying a white towel. I thought he was staring at me trying to figure out if I was asleep or not, so after several moments I finally said “Dad, I’m still awake” and he just vanished in front of my eyes!

I finally confided in a classmate about what I had been going through. Though I had other friends, she was the only one I felt comfortable telling for some reason. She was extremely fascinated in my experiences, and everyday at school I would tell her what had happened the night before. She took such an interest that she went to the library to do some research (this was in the very early 90′s, so computers were not yet a common household item for many people). I remember she told me that she thought it was a poltergeist, which was why it only seemed to bother me. She said it just had to run it’s course, that it would likely move on eventually. Pretty profound for an 11 year old as I think about it now, and at the time it gave me so much comfort to know that this guest hadn’t moved in permanently.

Another time, I had a friend over and we were roller-skating in my back basement room. We had only a dim desk lamp on that I was shining onto a small disco ball to replicate a skating rink environment. I suddenly got the feeling someone was staring at me. I glanced over and saw someone standing under my basement steps watching us. I didn’t even give myself a chance to investigate to get a clear description; I shrieked and darted out of the room to my parents bedroom (who were upstairs at the time). At the same time I did this, my friend shrieked and followed behind me. Once I caught my breath, I asked her why she ran out… and she told me she saw someone standing under the steps watching us.

The whispers of my name, giggling, hearing footsteps, door swinging open continued to occur, but seemed to stop after I was 12. I can’t really recall if it all stopped suddenly or just less frequently, but I was finally living in peace. I guess it needed one last hoo-rah, because one morning (I can’t remember how old I was exactly, but I was a teenager)I was awoken early in the morning by the cabinets in my kitchen opening and shutting and the sound of pots and pans falling on the floor and sliding across the counter. It was driving me nuts, I thought my grandmother was down there cleaning out the cabinets (she’s a neat freak) and I was really annoyed since my bedroom was practically right over top the kitchen. I kept yelling for her to keep it down, but it didn’t stop and I couldn’t fall back to sleep. Finally, I got up and went down stairs only to find that the cabinets were all closed, no dishes were out, and NO ONE was home.

Well, that’s my story, I have not experienced anything since and this was all about 15 years ago. I’m still not sure if there is a logical explanation, but I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts. Sorry for the length!

Sent in by Reesy, Copyright 2009 TrueGhostTales.com




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Comments

18 Responses to “Poltergeist or What?”
  1. KNOWTOMUCH says:

    wow, Reesy,, that was very creepy….i have also experienced the clanging of pots and pans in the cabinets, and nothing has been moved,, that was in the late 70″s…. hopefully, whatever it was, did run its course…. for many of us here, we still live with the daily battle of survival against demons,, ghosts,,, ect: i hope you never have to go through anything like this again……

    i dont see any logical explanation for it…. seems like many things where going on at once. i do wonder if it was your grandpa??? sometimes, when people die, they are stuck in limbo for a while.. they try to connect with us, and it comes out in many forms….

    did you talk further to your parents and grandma about all of this as you got older??? its hard enough being an adult and experiencing this type of thing, but even harder as a child.. i also remember, being about 7,, and my bedroom door used to open and almost close….. also heard a sh-sh-sh noise in my closet, many nights..sounded like my hula-hoop was being shaken…..

    its very possible that it was your grandpa, and while he was there it was encouraging other ghosts ect: to play games with you, and scare you…..

    be thankful that nothing else has happened to you!!!

    great story, by the way….. take care,,, ktm

  2. Nitin says:

    Ressy. Thanx dear for this story. . U r so brave dude,, i am 19. And i think i hvnt courge lyk u…i thot u sud speak to ur prnts, and u sud sy to the spirit or demon, y u r here. Ur world is another. Go away.may god let you peace…

  3. Reesy says:

    Knowtomuch – thank you for your comments and concern… I did indeed tell my mother about it after I moved out on my own, and she does believe me but never experienced anything herself. My grandmother apparently has had other experiences in the house, but they all seem to revolve around my grandfather, like her bedroom door opened one night and she felt like someone was hugging her. My younger sister and her husband actually still live there and sleep in the same room that I did, but they also have not experienced anything unusual. Whatever it was seemed to have left me alone as I am married now and have my own home and have not experienced anything like that since. I had many other terrifying experiences during that year, but felt in the interest of keeping the story somewhat short it was best not to include everything.

  4. blondie says:

    Hi Reesy,
    Your story is an interesting one! You were a very brave little girl to go through all that alone.Its funny though, how as children we seem to cope so well with these frightening experiences because i know that if they were still happening to me now (my experiences stopped during my teens) i dont think id be able to deal with it as well as i used to.

    It sounds like you had a very playful spirit staying with you!
    I wonder,did you ever tell your parents or grandmother of these happenings?

    Thanks for sharing your story with us! :-)

  5. KNOWTOMUCH says:

    Reesy,, your welcome Hun!! i would love to hear more of your story…. if you have read any of my posts, i tend to ramble on forever…lol…. some people are more sensitive to the paranormal than others.. isnt it nice to have a place to come and talk about it?? there are many of us that come here often, and try our best to support others….

    you are very lucky that you dont live a dally battle with the paranormal…im glad it stopped for you!! thats a good thing!!

    hope to see you soon,,,,, ktm

  6. trolldoll1681 says:

    i, too do believe your grandpa was around checking on all of you. and it seems girls that age, seem to cause poltergeist activity. it was nice of your family to live with your grandma to help her out!! i’m sure your family couldn’t affore asisted live arrangements for her. i’m really glad your mom believed you. thanks for sharing reesy!!!

  7. Reesy says:

    Hi blondie – I know what you mean, I’m 28 now and I know I’m no where near as brave as I was back then… I’d probably put my house on the market immediately if anything like that happened again! Though I have to admit I’m not sure how much of it was bravery and how much was just trying not to make it any worse. BTW – you mentioned your experiences stopped in your teens – do you have a story on here and if so where can I find it?

    I did eventually tell my family about it, but that wasn’t until after I moved out on my own (stil worried that I might provoke it I guess) The only other person who seemed to have had any other experiences was my grandmother (who’s still alive) but her’s weren’t at all frightening, she seemed to hear and ‘feel’ my grandfather visitng her, whereas I felt like I was being taunted. I’m also the only one who heard their name being called, and who actually saw an apparition. My parents, grandmother, sister and now brother-in-law all still live in that house, and as far as I know nothing out of the ordinary has happened…though I’ve kinda kept a lot of it from my sister since she sleeps in my old bedroom and I don’t want to worry her. I remember one night my grandma was in her bedroom and I was talking to her from the hallway before going to bed… as I walked towards my room I could hear multiple voices giggling and whispering my name from behind my bed… it was so loud that I could hear it from the hallway, and I almost told my grandmother right then and there what was going on, but then I realized that there probably wasn’t much she could do about it so I just went downstairs and watched tv almost all night. My sister would never step foot in her bedroom again if she knew about that!

    Thanks for your kind comments!

  8. Reesy says:

    thanks Trolldoll :) Actually, my grandmother was still in her early 60′s when we moved in, so assisted living wasn’t quite appropriate yet LOL. ;-)

  9. Reesy says:

    KTM – You’re right, I only found this site recently and from reading so many of the posts I felt really comfortable sharing my experience, which is not something I’ve shared with a lot of people before. I’m a rambler too lol so i tried my best to keep it short, but there is more to my story so maybe I will write a supplementary sequel!
    And you’re also right about me being lucky, that my ‘guest’ only stayed about a year, I guess I never thought of it that way as I know many members of this site seem to be visited for much longer.
    I will happily read any stories you have posted and will leave comments! :)

  10. Mary says:

    I agree that it was probably a poltergeist. Although I don’t know if that was what sounded like your grandfather walking up the steps. Since your grandmother heard that too it might have been something else.

  11. trolldoll1681 says:

    not to change the subject, caretaker, i have been seeing alot of ghosts around outside my home here lately. there so quick. and there mostly on the outside looking in the front door or going by my computer room window. i have been trying to find a medium or some paranormal group that might be able to help. a psychic would be better. i just don’t know where to start. i think i feel them and then i just look where i feel watched. there there and then poof gone. you know how to get ahold of me. i don’t have money to pay. i’m going to do some research. one of the previous owners, who did a large remodel on the house died of a cancer at a young age. he didn’t die in the house but i feel he’s the one attached to it. this house is 121 years old and i’m afraid the foundation is giving up. i’ve talked to people who used to come here and i’ve heard hints as to it being haunted. i’m not afraid but i don’t have the expertise to hunt for them myself. i want someone who can feel the spirits. i know this is a big request but i’m telling you either i’m losing my mind or i’m really seeing these things. yes things are moved or lost and some electrical anomalies have occured. the house has newer wiring. if you can’t thats okay .. this town is full of alot of older folks and i don’t think it would be a good idea to let this out. thanks trolldoll

  12. KNOWTOMUCH says:

    Reesy,, looking forward to reading more of your story!!!!!! take care,,, ktm

  13. KNOWTOMUCH says:

    Trolldoll,, with your house being so old, it is possible that a spirit is lurking around…. you being a ( sensetive) yourself,, it, or them are probably being drawn to you… knowing you and your huge heart, it makes sence….spirits enjoy hanging out with kind, careing, people.. it could be the young guy, for sure!!!!

    has anyone else seen or felt anything??? this has really peaked my interest… i wish i lived closer, so i could visit!!!! you know once you talk about this type of thing, that it could become stronger!! dont be afraid…….

    also,, be very careful who you allow in your house,, especaily anyone saying they are a medium.. make sure they are ,, for real…. i have also thought about having one visit me, but, im afraid things could get worse…. i hope that, Caretaker can give you some ideas!!!!

    take care, my good friend,,,,, hugs,, ktm

  14. trolldoll1681 says:

    thanks ktm, i probably won’t be able to find a medium around this area. i don’t know what it is that draws my eyes to the front door, the blind is up and the porch light is on. and then flash. and it seems to be wearing modern clothes because i see colors. donnie has seen things to. we both saw a residule lady from the 1880s or 90. you should have seen his face lol. i’ve seen these ladies about 3 times at different old houses we have lived in, tho this is the oldest. thanks dear friend. talk to ya soon hugs right back!!

  15. KNOWTOMUCH says:

    trolldoll,,, i have thought about having my house checked out also,, but,, i dont think i want a big van in my driveway that says anything about ghost hunting!!! i would rather keep it quiet ,,, also… ktm

  16. trolldoll1681 says:

    i think if you found a small group they probably wouldn’t be able to afford large transportation vehicles. they would be more into the equipment. now that i think about it i’d have to deal with my dog and my 3 kitties, making noise. i guess i could leave and let the cats out. but the activity inside has slacked off a bit. investigating outside is a little harder. i love the paranormal state show and they call 3 am, dead time. yeah i’d probably get some crap from people in this town. there prejudice here. we’ve had more black and mexicans move in lately and you wouldn’t believe the bigots in this town. but its a community college town too. the railroad started this town. okay nuff of that and do try the sage! hugs to all!!

  17. Sandy says:

    Hello Reesy,

    One thing I would want to advise is always make sure you pray & then sleep. Ask Jesus to protect you with his precious blood, not just you but your family as well. when you have the precious blood of our Lord nothing can harm you nor come near you, keep yourself attached to the Lord Jesus always. He is there for us always, so call upon his name & he will protect you, other than Jesus no one else can protect us, besides the enemy ( bad spirits) or whatever you want to call them, I don’t even want to take the names will fear at the name of Jesus because he is the son of almighty God. Always make sure you ask Jesus to be with you wherever you go. Finally I am happy that these things stopped happening to you.

    Take Care
    God be with you!

  18. Nikki says:

    I went through something very similar as a child, only it wasn’t in just in one house. I’m sure it was poltergeist activity that would subside for a while, only to start back up again later. I experienced the foot steps. the clattering of pots and pans, the “closet monster” (which TERRIFIED me by the way, and is the reason why I can’t sleep with the closet open TO THIS DAY!) as well as the knocking on the windows and the walls, strange scratching noises and the like. Though it really traumatized me as a child, it led to a lifelong fascination with the paranormal. And through my research over the years, I have learned that young girls are often the center and many times, the direct CAUSE of these disturbances. Pretty scary stuff!

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