I haven’t shared any blogs on the PWOA site in a few months now. Although my husband might tell you otherwise…shockingly enough…I guess I’ve just had nothing to say. I’ve written about lonely nights, feeling like a single woman even though you’re married, raising kids, trying to keep the romance alive in the midst of overtime and SWAT callouts, and everyone’s favorite…constantly finding ammo in the washing machine. Unfortunately, I have something to say now...something to ask you...
My first blog for PWOA was about ironing my rookie son’s first uniform as he was about to graduate the police academy. How proud and completely stunned I was to be doing that seemingly simple chore…how I prayed over that shirt while trying not to double crease it and cried my eyes out like a lunatic while doing it.
My thoughts went right back to that story tonight when my LEO texted me asking if I would iron a uniform for him. It was more wrinkled than he thought it was and he needs it to be ready bright and early tomorrow morning. How do you say no to a guy working an overtime shift after a 10 hour day?
This particular uniform shirt…with long sleeves and hash marks showing his 20 years of service…will be worn while leading a fallen officer’s funeral procession with his motor team. Again, I find myself praying over a uniform, begging God for his protection over this man that I love.
The fallen officer was 27 years old. He was shot and killed in the line of duty while answering a domestic violence call.
My LEO son has been on special assignment this week aiding the grieving neighboring police department in the arrangements of this service. He’s been learning what goes on behind the scenes in the planning of a ceremony like this and will lead a group of volunteers tomorrow in the set up and tear down of staging at the church. What an honor to be a part of such a special time. I know that he is striving for perfection and wants nothing more than to get it right.
As I listen to my son telling me how he’s been preparing for the ceremony…as I observe my husband ready himself for a long ride tomorrow and know the team has been running the procession routes today…it all comes back to her…I just can not imagine being this young officer’s mother. I may never meet this woman, but how my heart aches for her.
In the morning I know right where I’ll be…standing on the side of Highway 7 with my hand on heart…to pay respects to this young man who took an oath to serve and protect his community…I will be praying for his family, his girlfriend, and especially his mother…which is the least I can do. I would ask all of you to pray for this family as well.
l Sandee l