Thin blue line.

I don't think I have ever posted something like this before and although this is a temari blog and I do always try to stay on topic, today's post is a bit of therapy for me.

My hubby works for the Police department. I know that lots of people have issues with police but most of the ones I know are good, honest and hard working. As a police wife my greatest fear is the possible day when someone knocks on my door to say he's not coming home to us again.

On the East coast this week we lost a young policeman who was fatally shot during a drug bust. I didn't know him, but all police (Australian and International) are a family of sorts no matter what part of the world we are from.  We have known many good people injured or disabled and attended funerals for several friends who have died in the carriage of their police work over the years and it is always hard, sad and tinged with guilt for the feeling of relief and thanks to God that I still have my healthy, able bodied husband beside me.

I have a poem laminated on the fridge and I look at it every day. I don't know who wrote it but it was submitted to the newspaper by a local Police Superintendent many years ago after the death of a WA Police Officer.

A Police Officer's Poem
The police officer stood and faced his Maker, which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,  just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now Police Officer, How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To your maker, have you always been true?"
The Police Officer, with squared shoulders said:
"No sir I guess I ain't, because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep,
Though I worked lots of overtime when the bills just got too steep.
I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear,
And sometimes, please forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
But if you have a place for me here, well, it need not be too grand.
I never expected or had too much, so if you don't I'll understand."
There was silence all around the room where saints respectfully stood,
As the Police Officer waited quietly, for judgement bad or good.
"Step forward now Police Officer, You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk the beat on Heaven's street, you've done your time in hell."

Next time you see a Police Officer try to find a way to say a simple thanks for the work they do in your community to keep us all safe. They don't do the job for praise, but it sure is nice for them to get it once in a while.

Tomorrow I'll return to happier temari talk. Thanks for reading todays post. Health and happiness to you all.