Thankful

     A few days ago there was a shoot out in Ogden (I think) where 5 police men where injured and one was killed.  I absolutely hate seeing this on the news. The first reason being obvious; how awful that must be for the family.   Their daddy and husband left for work and will never come back.  I feel awful for the people affected.  The second reason that I hate hearing this type of news is that my Dad is a state trooper.
     Just recently have I started being concerned about my dad’s career choice.  When I was younger (and by younger I mean my whole life until about a 2 years ago) I thought all my dad did was wander on down the rode and pull over decent people that would not do anything bad.  My Mom told me a while ago that Dad almost got hit by a passing car when he was on a wreck.  I about died.  Really, his job is that dangerous!  I realize this sounds ridicoulous that the child of a cop just realized that being a cop was a highly dangerous job but its true.  Once in a while I remember him telling us stories that could have ended badly but he made it sound like it was no big deal at all.  I talked to my Mom about this and she said that that is what they had wanted.  When my Mom went to the “Welcome to the police force meeting” they said something like “There is no reason to freak yourself or your kids out everytime your husband goes to work, what happens will happen.”  I am one hundred percent grateful that my Mom listened to these words.  Every time when we were little we would line up on the stairs and give Dad a kiss and told us he loved us as he left for work.  As I was a little older and found out that not everyone did this I found it odd that we did, but now I think I understand.  He really could get involved in something that could be seriously dangerous and could not come home.  I am glad we did this.  I do remember one time when I was terriried about the safety of my Dad.  He was working a man hunt somewhere and we where unable to talk to him or even really know where he was for a few days. I don’t think I could live my childhood in that constant state of wondering if he would be on the news as the officer that was shot.
     The main point of this post is that I not only am I grateful that my Dad (and others) are willing to serve this state and country but also for the families that stand behind each and everyone of them. I appreciate their service and hope to not take it too much for granted.  My heart goes out to the poor family of the officer and I pray that the others that were injured will soon be healthy again.