We are all amazed, and left without words as we watched the events in Oakland unfold this month. Four officers gunned down by the bad guy. “How could this happen? Four in one incident?”
Questions that can only be answered by a loving God who for his reasons alone allow such events to take place. Daily I find myself thinking, “Once we get to heaven I have a million questions to ask…”
I was reading an article on the incident; I thought how could a department withstand this? Looking at a mass of photos taken at the memorial, you see part of the answer, power in numbers. How many officers, staff, family and friends attended? The photos show a large gathering. It is with the support of all of us that work in this field to be there for others.
Like most, I have been to a number of memorials through out my life. Through all of them, I remember a phrase used one afternoon as we remembered a Portland Police Officer who had lost his life in the line of duty. The department Chaplain said ”it is heart warming, and gives strength to the family for all of you to be here today. But try to remember, in a few weeks, or couple of months is when the family truly needs the support. After the ceremonies, the calls and mail begins to slow down as people return to their normal routine is when the thoughts begin to reach the family. That is when they can use your support.”
How true, so much happens at first, and then the quiet at night begins to hurt. Stress? How many pounds per square inch after you loose a loved one? If you can pick up the phone, or send a card or email, not only will it help the family, but inside you are going to relieve an amount of pressure and stress, how can you not when you brighten another’s life?
Stay safe, you’re all in our prayers and thoughts…Charlie