Hi Marie,
I have a stalker in my life. One big thing, is don't change your phone number, yet. This is really important. You need to keep the voicemails and the records of his calls. These are great proofs of harassment and stalking. You can really nail him with this.
Also, if you change your phone #, then he will become very obsessed about getting your new one. He'll have it in no time, someone obsessed like that will call all your close contacts to find your new number, and be really manipulative to get it from them. Experts advise that you keep your old number, and use it to record his calls... then get a second, unlisted number, and use that one as your primary phone.
Also, don't pick up the phone, ever, to talk to him... even to tell him to leave you alone. He learns that if he calls you 50 times, and you finally pick up in distress, then that's the price he willingly pays to get at you. A restraining order is a very good thing to have, but be forewarned, that the first few days after a restraining order is placed, depending upon the persona, if they're going to get violent, that is usually the time. If he's just a blowhard bully as they typically are, he'll deflate and disappear. But if he has been violent in the past, or has weapons, you'll want to ask the police to confiscate any firearms he might have access to. You'll also want to have an overnight bag packed, car gassed up, all the essentials, and a shelter or safe place lined up that you can go to if you feel very unsafe after he's served with the papers.
A very good book to read is one called "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker. His book and advice has helped me tremendously, and got my stalker institutionalized. Mr. de Beckers group provides protection for people ranging from visiting dignitaries, movie stars, and ordinary people who are being harassed.
The police are invaluable and good ones will bring comfort, support and a wonderful sense of protection. (We had troopers, unasked and unexpectedly, sitting in their cars in our driveway for a long time... it brought tears to my eyes when I'd walk down the drive and see a policeman munching his lunch or catching up on paperwork.. and protecting me!)
Sending hugs if you take 'em!
Keep that fire of indignation! It helps fuel you through the process of getting this guy off your back!
With concern and love,
Deer