When the sun came up on March 15, 2015, I expected it to be a beautiful day full of sunshine, family and prayer. And it was, although not in the way I had anticipated. We spent the morning in church with my 3-month-old son, welcoming him into God’s family through baptism. When we returned home to continue the celebration, we found my father motionless on our living room floor. Joy quickly turned to shock, then desperation as we tried to revive him, and finally overwhelming grief upon realization that it was too late. A joyous celebration of life suddenly turned into a sobering acceptance of death.
Amidst the chaos someone called 911, so a paramedic team and two police officers arrived shortly thereafter. I’m sure this is routine for emergency responders; those calls where they arrive on site of an accident or disaster but are too late to make any difference, at least in terms of saving lives. Once the paramedics determined there was nothing that could be done to revive my father, they departed quietly and respectfully. But as police officers you stayed behind to finish your job, part of which is to inquire about the circumstances of death, both for public record sake and to determine whether further investigation was needed. It wasn’t. After a brief questioning, it was clear to you that my father, who had been battling cancer and a slew of other health problems for years, had finally succumbed to his illnesses. Technically, your work was finished at this point and you could have left at any time. But you didn’t. And this is how you made a difference on the darkest day of my life.
When my body and voice were trembling so violently that it was difficult for me to speak, you remained patient and soft in tone, telling me to take my time as I struggled to answer your questions. Thank you for this.
When you questioned my 14-year-old son who had just lost his closest grandparent, you put your hand on his shoulder like an old friend and asked him if he was doing all right. You acknowledged how difficult this must be and told him to stay strong. You provided him with the comforting words that he needed to hear, but that I couldn’t provide because I was too grief-stricken myself. Thank you for this.
When you inquired about my father’s employment, I brought out his sheriff’s badge and explained that he had proudly retired from law enforcement after 27 years. We spoke of his time in the Marine Corps. You had never known him personally, but as a brother in public service, you bowed your head in deference to him. Thank you for this.
When I told you of his many health problems and how long he had been suffering, you stopped taking notes and just listened intently. I was surprised to see the tears come to your eyes, as you had never known my father, but yet you still mourned for him. In that moment I found unexpected comfort from a stranger. Thank you for this.
When you asked for my father’s address and I gave you mine, you stated that he was lucky to have been surrounded by family during his last bit of time on Earth. Feeling immeasurable regret for having left him alone that morning, those words provided me the first moment of perspective in my journey to find peace. Thank you for this.
When friends and family began to depart after many hours of emotional support, you remained. I’m sure you had other business to tend to, but you made no indication of being in a hurry. You offered to stay until the funeral home transport arrived, which you knew wouldn’t be for another hour or more. And while I didn’t feel it was necessary, thank you for this.
When I look back on the tragic events of that day, I will always remember the outpouring of love and support I received from family and friends. My gratitude for that is boundless, and it will forever make the painful memories easier to bear. But amazing grace was found in the simple words and actions of two unsung heroes who also made a difference that day…a difference that I have not been able to put into words until now. My father, who in his life was already one of the staunchest advocates for your profession, would certainly want the world to know of how you went above and beyond for his family in their time of crisis. There is no greater tribute you could have paid him.
And so I thank you for this, and for everything else you do to serve and protect our community. God Bless.
