My LEO and I recently returned from a warm vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. We’ve been there several times over the years, but during this trip, we decided to do something new and traveled to the small town of Sayulita. Known as a hippy town, Sayulita is a fishing community, full of surfers, shops, and wonderful food. We spent the day shopping and walking the beautiful beaches.
Before catching a taxi back to our resort, we decided to stop at a small outdoor restaurant for margaritas and tacos...I mean…when in Rome! We were just chatting, enjoying the breeze, when a man who was sitting with his family at the next table over asked as he pointed to my Thin Blue Line hat, “Excuse me, is there an L.E. in your family?” After my tequila-filled brain figured out what an “L.E.” was, that’s all it took for an instant 90 minute conversation between trusted blue family…strangers that we had never in our lives laid eyes on.
My husband and this newly retired LEO exchanged an easy conversation about what retirement life was like, concerns about the current state of the world for law enforcement, and what paths our children were taking in their lives. When it was time for us to leave, I congratulated his wife on making it through to the other side, wished them well, and we were on our way.
I’ve thought about this simple encounter a lot lately. I’m fairly certain we will never see these people again in our lifetime. We didn’t even exchange names with them. But, what completely dumbfounds me is the instant bond we can share with other LEOs…even when hundreds of miles away from our own homes…in an entirely different country.
If your LEO is anything like mine (and from what I read here…many of them are soooooooooo much alike), the people he trusts in life is very few. The truth is hard to come by in their world, which can make officers cynical and constantly guarded. It’s truly amazing to me that this complete stranger felt like an old, trusted friend in a matter of minutes.
It is definitely one of the perks that comes with law enforcement that people don't understand. Having a blue family of strangers…who always have your back. Enjoy that retired life, Alabama! It was lovely to meet you.
l Sandee l