A sad goodbye

It has been awhile since I have posted anything, however today, my heart is heavy with saddness for the loss of one of our own.

Though I did not know Officer Valdes personally, I have several close friends that have mentioned how wonderful a person he was. He always had a warm smile, caring heart, and kind words. To put it in simple words, he was loved and admired by many.

The law enforcement family is a close knit group of people. This goes from the top of the chain of command to those of us working the channel. We grieve together. We help each other through. We share memories, shoulders for tears, and many, many hugs.

I ask you to please pray for Officer Valdes' family, his friends, and his brothers and sisters in blue. My thoughts are with you. My heart is with you. My prayers are with you all.

"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining.

Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.

How shall I deal with you?                                                 

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,

"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,

Because those of us who carry badges

can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

and at times my talk was rough,

and sometimes I've been violent,

Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep....

Though I worked a lot of overtime

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around

Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,

Lord, It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne

Where the saints had often trod.                             

As the policeman waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,

You've borne your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown