When I grew up, these men and women were our heroes. But they were heroes to be feared. That gun on the officers belt always scared me. It was like I was looking death in the face. It reminded me of how small and powerless I was. It taught me that there are bad things happening all around us and we never know when another one will happen. It taught me that not everything is fun and games; that things can be very, very serious sometimes. But as I looked up to see that officer smiling at me, I felt safe again. I knew that uniform meant I had somebody on my side when bad things do happen, and that they would be there to help protect me if and when it did. As I grew older, my innocence faded. I began to push the limits of what was acceptable by society and what was not. (Also known as: laws) I think thats in all of our nature to do so. But what I always understood was, as I crept closer to the line between right and wrong, on the other side of the line was a police officer. After all, rules without consequences are only suggestions. I never thought the officers were the bad guy. While maybe I didnt think I was the bad guy either, I knew I wasnt following the rules. Now, I have a family. People who I try to keep safe from the bad things that can happen at any moment. Im wary of those who have yet to understand the boundaries and limits necessary for a society that provides us all the greatest possibility for the pursuit of happiness. Im wary of the selfish. And I know I cant always be there. I cant always protect them. For that I need help. I need someone to make sure that the line is there and that its clear to all. I need someone to do what I cant. I trust in the police officers to do that. What I didnt realize before, but I do now, is that the officer was never trying to keep me on the other side of the line. He wasnt trying to put me in my place or keep me down. He wasnt trying to make me feel small and scared. He was trying to protect me from going over the line. Into the abyss. I know this, because I now stand firmly on one side and so does the officer. On the same side. It might be a good idea to check where you are in relation to that line from time to time. Because if you dont, eventually, our brothers and sisters and blue will remind you.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 17:38:14 +0000
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