SO much has gone on since my last post, and eventually I will get around to the rest of them, but there's only one that I really feel like blogging about today.
The biggest and most heartbreaking thing that has happened was another member of our WSP family was taken from us on May 31. Trooper Sean O'Connell was a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend, and an incredible example of what it means to be a great Trooper. I try to find God in every bad situation, and boy, did He show up. There is very little that compares to the Law Enforcement family. In a week's time, our agency, along with many more around the state and country, and the Behind The Badge Foundation, banded together to rally around his family and to lay him to rest with a fitting and dignified service. In fact,our Spouses' Association is still organizing meals to be dropped off into next month.
I came across something on Pinterest this afternoon that spurred this post. For something fun to do with your kids, it was suggested to take goodies to your local Fire House to "Thank a Firefighter." By all means, please do! They are brave and special public servants. In both of the line-of-duty processions I've been in since getting married, they have lined the overpasses with their trucks, flags and stood at attention or with their hands covering their hearts as every single car passes. With the 19 men and women who gave their lives recently in Arizona, the firefighters around the country could use a pick-me up. We feel that in this house as well, as it brings up an old wound for my husband. One of his very best friends gave his life fighting the Thirty Mile Fire exactly 12 years ago today. He was had turned 21 just days before his death.
That being said, please think about doing the same thing for your local Police Officers, County Sheriffs and/or State Patrol/Police. While firefighters are always hailed as heroes, most of the time, Law Enforcement are pitted as "the mean guy who gave me a ticket for no reason," "the jerk who arrested so-and-so," or someone who will "come take you to jail" if one is "bad." Not only would bringing a treat and a note of thanks to your local station/office be a welcome change to the grief many police officers get on a daily basis, it would give your children a positive view of the Good Guys, letting them know they can trust them as well as the firefighters if they ever would be in need of help.
