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humanity

Today is the memorial service for the Police Officer who was gunned down, murdered in cold blood, while in his parked patrol car. He was training a fellow Police Officer, he was killed instantly, she survived her wounds, even being able to fire shots at the vehicle that pulled up along their patrol car, and opened fire. I've been watching the news all morning as they talk about what is going on, the vehicle procession, why certain things are being done. I'm glad that one of the persons' talking is a Sergeant who is explaining the traditions and their significance, whether they be done nationwide or just from the city's precinct. I was doing ok till they opened audio on the helicopter and you could hear the bagpipes play as they walked down the street, now the tears won't stop. They showed a riderless horse who had backward boots in the straps, that signified the General looking back at his troops one last time. Even some of the reporters were choking back tears. Police Officers are killed in the line of duty, but its the way this Officer was murdered, even the word 'assassinated' was used to describe it, that sets this memorial apart from the others. He was only 2 years older than me, left behind a wife and 2 young children. One of the reporters described the scene of Officers lining the streets as a giant hug to the family, to let them know that they're not alone. Some of the Officers came from other states, even from across the country to show their support. Even the outpouring of support of people from different local areas coming to pay their respects is moving. The site of the murder is covered with flowers, wreaths, candles, stuffed animals, poetry, pictures, all things to show how much that Officer meant to the community and the emergency personnel. The murder investigation is ongoing, but I can't help but wonder that with the crowd of people that showed up, lined the streets as the motorcade drove by, is the murderer or murderers one of them? Are they watching the news, gloating that they caused that? Or are they remorseful, sorry that they took the life of another human?
I had worked in a coffee shop for many years, and many of the regulars were Police Officers, Firemen, FBI, even SWAT members. I can't help but wonder how those guys are doing, especially today....do they kiss and hug their wives and kids more? Take a moment to appreciate their lives more? Take more deep breaths throughout the day?
One of my co-workers at that job was a wife of a Fireman, she said she never really slept while he was on duty, she really had to condition herself to his job and all its dangers. That always made me think if I could handle being a wife of a Fireman, or Police Officer or someone whose job put their life at risk. Do I have the inner strength to hold my breath every time the phone rings while he's on duty? Would silly arguments or differences of opinion be that less important? Would I have the maturity to handle sharing my husband with the community as he protects or helps rescue them?
I'd like to think so....but even though I'm not the wife of a Police Officer, or Fireman...my heart still goes out to them....the ones waiting for their loved ones to come home safe.

Posted by newoldlife on 2009-11-06 14:01:59 | Rating: