Much of what I write about police and their families applies to our military personnel as well. They are two brotherhoods—different and yet the same. Both willing to go when others flee. Both willing to serve and protect. Both willing to lay down their lives for people they don’t even know. Today on Armed…… Continue reading Courageous. Steadfast. Protectors
“No one asked these selfless men and women to enlist in this righteous cause, or to enroll as foot soldiers in the eternal struggle against crime and violence. They joined the cause because their hearts were big and full of amazing courage. They joined because they cared so deeply for the innocent and helpless and…… Continue reading Their Mission
This week has been set aside for memorializing police officers who have died in the line of duty. I have thought a lot about these officers. I have thought about the three I personally knew. I thought about how every single day officers put their lives on the line. I thought about what they could…… Continue reading Practice
I took the picture. I didn’t see it in the moment. But, there it is casting its image in the shadow. The shadow on a tombstone of one who made the ultimate sacrifice. There in the shadow, the vaguely visible red stripes symbolize the valor of this officer who upheld it and what it stood…… Continue reading Reflections
21,183 who answered the call to protect and serve. 21,183 who put the safety of others above their own safety. 21,183 who didn’t live long enough. 21,183 families who will never be the same. 21,283 who served selflessly. 21,183 who paid the ultimate price. 21,183 names engraved on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.…… Continue reading 21,183
I am a time traveler. Not the Dr. Who-Marty McFly-Phil Connors-Terminator-Bill & Ted-Dr. Spock kind. I don’t have a time-skipping phone booth or a DeLorean or a TARDIS. I’ve never piloted the Starship Enterprise. I’ve never been beamed-up. Even so, I have earned a significant number of reward miles through my time travels. Time travel…… Continue reading Time Travel
I can only imagine. Every now and then I dream of it happening. Maybe tonight is the night. I hope this is the moment in time when it will finally happen. I’m giddy with excitement because it will be my first time. I can conjure up every minute detail of it. The pure, unadulterated pleasure…… Continue reading I Can Only Imagine
Philosophers have long pondered which came first…the chicken or the egg? As a self-appointed philosopher, I frequently ponder which came first….the boy or the badge? (Disclaimer: I do know and admire the female officers out there, but I don’t live with them, so I’m not qualified to explore their personalities!) Are the guys who become…… Continue reading Which Came First? The Boy or the Badge?
Yesterday I read a post on the National Police Wives Association Facebook page from a young woman whose fiancé will soon be going to the police academy. She was curious to see what kind of careers police wives have and was looking for advice on what she should do about her own education. She is…… Continue reading Known Unknown Knowns
Early in our marriage, we moved to Houston so my husband could seek his fame and fortune at a big city police department. He had been an officer two years in our home town and our little life was rocking right along. I was 22 years old and had never been away from home. Suddenly, I…… Continue reading Life Lessons
All Manner of Things Blue 