DREADING "THAT CALL"

DRL Is Proud to Introduce
M. Radeboldt

I smile and look up into his bright, beautiful eyes. “Goodnight honey, I love you.” I tell him, ”Have a good shift.”  A kiss and a quick hug and then he’s gone. “God please keep him safe and bring him back to me” I pray. And I pretend that I’m not petrified that tonight will be the night I get “that call”.

I love my husband. I’m proud that he’s a police officer. He cares about people and is willing to put his life on the line, put our life together on the line, every day or night when he puts on that uniform. His job is not an easy one. While he is trying to protect, to serve, to keep the peace, he faces more than bullets. He faces indifference, ignorance, prejudice, and disrespect. Instead of thanking him for his dedication and bravery, people complain when he enforces the very laws that keep them safe. If he fights with a suspect to defend himself or save another, it’s called police brutality. If he draws his gun because his life or that of an innocent bystander is in danger, it’s all over the papers and he must be suspended pending an investigation. No, his job is not easy, but neither is mine.

Being the wife of a police officer means being patient, flexible, and forgiving. It’s dealing with crazy shifts, understanding when he’s late and dinner is ruined; attending the kid’s plays and ballgames alone because he’s been called in or working a weekend shift. It’s understanding  his moods because he’s seen things no human being should have to see..It’s the constant worry when you hear a siren or when he’s a few minutes late. It’s the paralyzing panic if the phone rings in the middle of the night.

And yet, it’s pride in knowing that you’re married to a knight in shining armor, a brave and noble person who truly cares about the people in his community. It’s admiring his knowledge and skill, his quick mind and sure reflexes. It’s  knowing that this world is a better, safer place because of this man, this police officer, your husband.

So I’ll keep smiling, keep praying, and I’ll keep cherishing every moment that we’re together, because I know that I’m blessed to be the wife of a police officer!