Sacrifice

 The news is full these days with stories, horror stories, about law enforcement officers being killed in the line of duty. It is hard to read, hard to believe, and even harder to understand how someone would kill a man, or woman, who has sworn to protect people. I know you have heard or read the stories, but let's put a little more thought into it.
 These officers, hereafter referred to as Heroes, face uncertainty and danger EVERY day in an effort to keep us all safe. They usually have a family that worries over them when they leave and breathes a sigh of relief when they return. These Heroes risk it all because they know that someone HAS to risk it all. Long shifts, anxious moments, massive adrenaline dumps, abused children, fatal crashes, and yes, sometimes, kill or be killed. Did I mention that these Heroes do this job for ridiculously low pay? How much would you want to get paid for leaving your family, knowing that you may never return? How much money to help you wash away the things you've seen that no one should see?
 They told us in mandate school that if we were getting into police work to get rich, then we were barking up the wrong tree. They were right! Law enforcement officers do this job because it has to be done. They sacrifice family time, social gatherings, friendships ( not all of your friends want to hang out with a cop), sleep. and even their health, to make their community a safer place to live.
 Now we have people killing our Heroes...well over 50 already this year. Think of the damage... think of the sacrifice... think of the family and friends left behind. Now it is their turn to sacrifice... as if they haven't been sacrificing their cop all along. Moms and Dads that couldn't make the big game because they had to work the street... Christmases missed or postponed because "the job" came first. But now, they can only wish for the worry they once felt while waiting for their Hero to come home. Now, all they have is a flag, tri-folded in a glass box. Their Hero is never coming home... their Hero will never share another Christmas.... their Hero will never again hug them when he comes through the door. How's that for sacrifice?
 Pray for the families of the Heroes we have lost.... most recently, the Athens-Clarke County police officer's family this week. Pray for them.... and pat a cop on the back once in a while...we appreciate it!