I didn’t know much about police officers growing up. I lived in a small town with a sheriff’s department which we good-naturedly called Barney Fife. After having been married to my husband, an almost 10 year veteran of the police force, and having represented abused and neglected children I know more. I know police have received a great deal of bad press lately. Some of it justified and some not. When it occurs I often see all police officers lumped together. Like any profession there are “bad apples” and people who make poor choices.
Open, honest, and rational discussions about these incidents is important. As is seeking change by the numerous legal methods provided for in the founding of our government, including peaceful protests. We must remember there are human beings on both sides of the issues and there are other humans affected by the conflict. We must remember that there are many good officers who put their lives on the line every day to help us. They don’t like the “bad apples” either and don’t want the poor choice makers on their teams.
My Night Watchman
2:22am you soundly sleep
I sleep alone
For he is watching over you
Over us all
If you call for help he will come running
Even if it means he won’t come home to me
Dressed in blue like those before him
But different
Educated
A thinker not a thumper
Kind but not soft
His most important weapons
His intelligence and heart
It is what I count on to bring him home
It is why I sleep soundly most nights too.
Reblogged this on Nana's Apron Strings and commented:
Lovely and timely words on a difficult topic.