Hello My Fellow Blue Priders,
Yes, it is I, Blu06 aka Mac from Texas! Contrary to numerous but always dubious reports, I did not fall off my stilettoes and subsequently off the face of the earth. Though, I admit to learning that if one dances the Macarena, one should not wear Spanxs and Five Inch Pumps, especially if one has a bit of a belly and low testosterone, but I do digress and getting way off tangent.
As it happens, life gave me a challenging 2014 to live. I've survived so far but the war is not over, but détente is called for a time being due to the joy of the season.
So, here I sit, Christmas Eve, 2014 or rather Christmas 2015 (it's almost 2am). All is quiet, that Christmas Silent Night I've wrote about in posts of Christmas past. Allis well. I cannot and will not complain about the challenges that presently provide my life with adversity.
Yet, to explain a bit,
Last January, mom took a spill. No broken bones, thank God. Life did change instantly though; walkers, grab bars, ramps, in-home care, BAM! Mom is ninety-one now and every day now is a blessing I personally realize with the humblest of posture. Can it be, am growing up? I do not feel grown. I feel scared most of the time.
Last March, the day I returned from my FMLA leave (due to caring for mom after the fall in January), my supervisor notified me that a "restructure" in the office taken place that did not include me at the position I earned seven years prior(before he was employed with us) and worked to earn for the last twenty-four years. Needless to say, as the Queen of England has said, "WE WERE NOT PLEASED!". My attorney shares my displeasure. So, being the confident individual that I am, aren't all Law Enforcement people are, grin, I entered a grievance at my place of employment. My hearing is set for next month, January 20. So, if you are a praying sort, I can use about every prayer, good vibes, thoughts you guys can send my way. I am truly facing a David -v- Goliath situation. Be Not Afraid, so said Pope John Paul II. I attribute the lessons I've learned from my police training and practical experiences to the intensity of my fortitude. However, I learned and experience every sense and perspective of the word "stress".
In the meantime, I've continued my reserving at the PD, entering my eleventh year as a Police Officer last September (bowing a most gentlemanly bow). I finally took the courses that earned me my Intermediate License. I know with a little focus and determination, I can earn my Advance and Master Peace Officer licenses. We added some young bucks to the PD. Now, I'm the old fart, HA! Now, that's a new experience, a police officer asking me for advice, Ha!
So, here I sit this Christmas Eve. I do not want. I love my family. I remember so much of the Christmases past and now see the worthiness of every Christmas carol, every line at the department store, every smile, every hug, every moment with my family, and every yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. I miss my dad tremendously. Seventeen Christmases now, and still, I remember that night like it was now. Every year that passes only re-enforces the awe in which I hold his accomplishments of a good honest purposeful life. He was the strongest man I've ever known.
I know for some, you're on the job now, and I pray you be safe. It's not the best of times for us who wear the badge, even more so for those who wear it daily, eight, ten, twelve, hours only to put in over-time. What thoughts are wrestling in the minds of our brothers and sisters while trying to be the best professional. Our values, our purpose, our work, our dedication, us... all on the line in an instant.
I always refer to my old adage:
It is to Protect.
It is to Serve.
To This I Stay True.
Always Blue.
Be Safe my brothers and sisters. You are one of the underrated, unspoken, under appreciated reasons why this nation is free.
The American Police Officer, unlike so many police of other nations,
We Run Into the Fray, Not From It!
We run into harms way because we believe in the notion that:
"We hold these truth to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."
And with this truth, we walk the thin blue line so that we defend with our lives if need be, the law of the land:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more Perfect Union, establish Justice, insure the Domestic Tranquility, Provide for the Common Defense, Promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessing of Liberty to Ourselves and our Prosperity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
Once again,
It is to Protect.
It is to Serve.
To This We Stay True.
Always Blue.
With the most sincerest Merry Christmas
Be Safe!
Mac.
PS, I apologize for the length, but I was always a long winded diva. I'll do my best in 2015 to stick around more. I sense 2015 will be very interesting but so much better.