The block was dark and I felt the thickness of the summer heat even at 9pm Summer break was always something to look forward to because, like most kids, we were able to stay up past our bedtime and play cops and robbers: a game that just so happened to represent exactly what my dad was faced with every day. Although I played with the kids on the block, and my mom sat on the stoop with her friends, I recall often thinking about the safety of my dad as we played this game…because I was the daughter of a police officer. A child as young as myself should have been enjoying that time with my friends but my mind often drifted off to ponder his safety and I often wondered…would I see him again tonight?
Prior to him arriving home from his 4pm to midnight shift, we would run inside and get all cleaned up. He couldn’t know we were staying up this late. We were in bed by the time he came home but being the light sleeper that I was, I always saw his silhouette as he made his way down the hall. That silhouette reassured me that everything was okay…I had my dad for another night. He didn’t speak much about the job at home but when I would get an occasional glimpse of the news, I knew the streets weren’t safe. Nevertheless, my father was helping keep our city as safe as possible and for that I was honored and proud. As I got older, many friends would tell me, “That’s awesome that your dad is a police officer.” I took pride in responding, “Yes, it is.”
When I arrived home from school each day, I remember being as silent as possible so he could sleep because he worked that night shift. When he left for work, even at a very young age, a part of me would walk out that door with him. I loved my dad and like any little girl I didn’t want anything to happen to him but as a daughter of a police officer, you just never know. I remember staring at his bulk ammo sometimes and wondering how many times he had to use it or even pull it out. He once said, “Thankfully, I never had to use my gun and hope I never do.” He was well known in his area as a “good cop” whatever that meant…at that time I was unaware of any bad cops. I was young and naive and I just thought all of them were good! Just like other people, they are human and there are “good and bad” right?
When my father was laid to rest in 1999 due to his battle lost to cancer, I thanked God that he wasn’t killed in the line of duty. He completed his time as an officer and was given the police officer’s procession. When the American flag was draped over his casket, I remember thinking about all those killed in the line of duty and how my dad had escaped that fate. I didn’t know what was worse, dying from cancer or while serving his community, but what I do know is that he did us all proud. When I am presented with all this madness in the news about police officers and hate for them, I remember my dad doing right by us all and hope and pray there are many more like him...because I know these men and women have families at home…daughters like myself just waiting for them to walk through that door!
Sis, I’m so proud of Papi. Right now my heart tells me that he is looking down at you and smiling from heaven throwing you kisses and blessings. This was the most beautiful post ever!!!!! Love you Sis!
yes Eileen he was a good cop, dad n husband and he was my friend. I had the utmost respect for him. May he rest in peace. That’s a beautiful post you wrote, like dianna said he’s sending you kisses n blessings from heaven. Lov u ma and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy Healthy New Year
Titi C,
He was all of the above and thank you for acknowledging that!!!! Thank you so much…your words mean a lot—xoxoxoxo
Same to you, mama–I love you!!!
D,
Thanks so much for reading and responding!
I sure hope I am making him proud…. for some reason I believe you <3
Thanks so much, sis.
I LOVE and APPRECIATE YOU!!!!!
Oh Amiga I needed this , we needed this! I’m happy to know that your dad was a police officer keeping us safe. If you are anything like him I know he was a good man with a great heart! Thank you for sharing this!
Ruby,
Thank you so much for reading and responding!
Your words mean the world and Ruby you would have loved him.
He was an awesome man with a GREAT sense of humor!
Thank you so much, Amiga!!!
xoxoxoxoxox
You brought me to tears. He most definitely was one of the good guys and I am proud, honored and blessed to have known him and call him my Father-in-Law. My children were blessed to be loved by him. He is missed each and every day.
Abbie,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I didn’t mean to make you cry but honestly I cried when I wrote it.
Yes, he was all of the above and ADORED Nic and Angie 😉
Hugs and thanks again for your support, sis <3
I love this post! My dad, too, is a police officer – also one of the good ones. Lots of hugs!
Allie,
Thanks so much for you reading and commenting.
I had no idea— what else do we have in common, Bella?
Hugs and thanks again <3
I know you know exactly what I mean..
xoxoxoxo
Eileen, this post is so moving and really gives police officers the sense of humanity they seem to have lost in the media long ago. I’ll admit that recent events involving police officers hurting others have made me terrified of ever encountering one myself. I always pray that we encounter the good ones, and that the bad ones will be pulled off duty.
I’m glad your Papi was one of the good ones. May he rest in peace.
Laurita!
Thank you so much…I am HONORED by your words. That’s what I want people to remember …there are GOOD ones…like everyone there are “good” and “malo”..
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words…I am happy to call you
a friend and a sister 😉 <3
Love yah!!!