Quiet Reflection

Tomorrow is Friday and there is no crime briefing. There is no range requalification. There are no case reviews. There are no sunrise search warrants and no court all day appearances. There are no performance evaluations and there are no disgruntled employees. There is no doing the lieutenant’s work and not getting credit for it. There are no police sirens, no “code one” emergencies or 1033s. There are no more extended details and no 12+ hour foot beats. There is no anger or frustration, no resentment and no inability to make a difference. There are no uniforms to put in the cleaners. There is no Glock 19 to keep safe guarded and clean. There are no boots or belts that need to be shined. There is no uncomfortable but necessary bullet proof vest. And there are no letters of accommodation or failure to adhere to the regulations. There’s no more “Can I have your name and badge number?” No more citizens instructing me on how to police. No more night drives through the dark alleys and approaching unknown dangers. And no more up at 4:15am for those early roll calls. Still so unbelievable that the God of the universe allowed me to work as a law enforcement officer in the nation’s capital for 25 years. Then gave me the provisions and the courage to quit. To do my allotted time, and not once use my service weapon! But to quietly exit. He answered my heart’s desire. Word for Word. And I am still grateful. Still so incredibly very grateful.