Pride

Watching the scene in Boston play out last night was amazing.  A successful conclusion to a horrific week.  Seeing people come out of their homes to cheer for the law enforcement personnel as they left the area, was tear jerking, to say the least.  From all of the fear, came pride and gratitude that couldn't be contained.

Earlier, while the operation was still in full-swing, I couldn't help but think...are those guys hungry?  How are  they functioning if they haven't eaten? How many hours have they been out on this case?  When was the last time they slept?  I'm sure they were running on adrenaline, but I know how I feel about my own husband when he is out too long on a case.  I know I'm his wife, but worry like a mom too...can't help it.

And, what I know most of all...how were their wives/significant others watching this news coverage without losing their minds?  I know my husband would want to be first in the stack for SWAT, and I know how I worry.  Seeing it unfold in front of me on TV might be unbearable.  And with one officer's life already taken... I didn't want to imagine what else could happen. 

You see, as a spouse of a cop, you block it all out.  Every piece of it.  You get used to the uniform, the guns, the vests, the body armor.....but when they walk out that door, it all melts away~at least to me.  I tell myself he "goes somewhere" and comes back.  Thinking about the middle part is too difficult.  I would never sleep, or be able to function if I envisioned everything he does each day.  Forget about SWAT, I don't even want to think about that part.  So I know that this all playing out on TV has had to be extremely difficult for the wives and families of those involved, and we should all say a prayer for them to get through this.  

Because even if they don't realize they need the lift, they do.

A few years ago, I saw a police take-down in traffic, directly in front of me, as I drove my daughter home from preschool.  I sat there in my car, frantically trying to figure if I was seeing my own husband as the officers got into position around the car.  Once I realized it wasn't him, it dawned on me~oh my gosh, that's what he does everyday.  Every single day.  I did not like it.  It blew my reality up, and scared the heck out of me.  It's always in the back of my mind...

To every cops wife, spouse, partner who had to hold their breath this week, as you prayed for your loved ones safe return home, know that all of us in this extended law enforcement community worried and prayed along with you, and we will continue to do so as you deal with the aftermath of this week from hell. 

Thank you for yet again another reminder that our "good guys" always show up. 

Be safe.

Have a great day

{Jenn}

PS....all the photos came from this site below...

http://newsfeed.time.com/2013/04/19/surreal-photos-of-swat-teams-combing-watertown/

Boston

Once again, my heart sunk down into my stomach upon hearing the awful news of the day. 

Once again all of us think what kind of world do we LIVE in anymore? 

We live in the most resilient country in the world...that's where we live.  Boston, our hearts are with you.

{It's amazing how you can feel disgusted and sickened by the cowards who committed these acts of terror, while at the same time,  feel utterly proud, amazed and grateful all at once for those who ran straight into danger, without regard for their own safety.  That's how days like this make me feel}.

Sadly, the 26th mile was to be dedicated to the children of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting~and some of their families were there....when I turned on the news, and saw what was unfolding, my thoughts instantly went to my post about it...

Read it again...it's still true.  And always will be.

Good guys always show up...and there will always be more good than evil in this world. 

Believe it.

Say a prayer tonight to someone, or something.  And if you're not sure how to pray, just say 'thank you' in your heart to those who keep all of us safe everyday, and are willing to give their lives for total strangers, just because it's the right thing to do.

Have a safe night,

{Jenn}