When I Woke This Morning

When I woke this morning, I found it to be one of the most beautiful days February has given us this year. But yet there were clouds of sorrow affecting my mood along with many others in Texas.

Over the past week, the citizens of Texas lost three police officers in the line of duty and this was the day they were laid to rest. As their family and friends said goodbye, there was a sense of loss that could not be filled and tears that could not be dried.

As we said our goodbyes, we remember these men who gave the ultimate sacrifice doing what they loved. They stood when they were called upon to do a job which is often thankless. Their careers were filled with missed moments with their family’s which can never be replaced with memories but we will do with what is given so they are not forgotten.

Each day many men and women across this country, start our tour of duty not knowing if we will return to our loved ones at the end of shift. Along with our family’s we grow to understand the never spoken and hope we will return. We do a job which does not accept mistakes and still if everything is done right this could still be our last day.

We are expected to make decisions in tenths of seconds which can and do affect lives without the benefit of instant replay. Many months later, these decisions are second guessed by everyone who was not there and seeing what the officer had to deal with. There is not a career in this working world which you are expected to be right ever time, time and time again.

There are many times we men and women do not leave work at the end of their tour, but stay late to complete reports or to testify in court. So our time with our loved ones is cherished minute by minute because of our oath to stand when few others would.

Some may wonder why would someone ask to do this job, the answer is simple we are here to make you safe. We may not change the world but we do change lives every day. Some thank us and others curse us but we are here to keep the line defined.

The men we honor today, Harris County Deputy Constable Harry Thielepape, Harris County Deputy Sheriff Craig Miller and Dallas Police Officer Victor Lozado-Tirado, are looking down upon us from on high asking that we console each other in this time of sorrow. They come to us in the sun light which warms, the breeze which cools, the water which quenches thirst, and the food which nourishes us. They live on in the hearts of many, not only their families and fellow officer but with the people they helped as well.

At the sound of the bag pipes crying, taps sounding and the final radio call, I worry not, for I know each of these men are still on duty, defining the line between Heaven and Hell.

A Police Officers Prayer

Lord, I ask for courage Courage to face and conquer my own fears… Courage to take me where others will not go And please, Lord, through it all, Be at my side.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9