Dear Police Spouses,
The events of recent days have taken a toll on your husbands, wives, and fiancés. The one you love is working overtime. He is encountering people on nearly every call that are impacted emotionally by the pandemic we have all experienced. She is encountering people who are on edge. And, the one you love is being called all kinds of nasty things. Some of your families have been threatened.

I have a word of comfort for you. I have been out there with them. My chaplaincy colleagues have as well. Over the past three-weeks, I responded with the one you love to an infant death, a suicide, and two fatality car crashes. The other chaplains have been active in additional ways. I was privileged to serve with your husband or your wife in situations are that are intense and overwhelming emotionally. They were not alone. I showed up to provide some spiritual presence. They knew there was someone there who has their back in a different way than their fellow officers.

I have a word of encouragement for you. The one you love knows how to express compassion to people on the worst day of their life. Yes… I am talking about your husband! Your wife went the extra mile to make sure things were done correctly. The one you love gently explained necessary details to grieving family members. They listened patiently. They asked difficult questions of victims in a tactful manner. They expressed their concern in active ways to children impacted by unspeakable tragedy.

I have a word of assurance for you. The one you long to see at the end of a 12 hour shift still cares about people. They still want to help people. They want to serve well. I know they have their down days. Cynicism is always lurking in the shadows, desiring to take over your spouse’s heart. But I can assure you that cynicism is not winning. The level of care I have witnessed firsthand over the past 3 weeks has been outstanding. You would be so proud if you could see the one you wait for in action.

I have a word of support for you. The one you chose is responding to their calling. They put on the uniform and strive to fulfill that calling each day. As you know, they are mortified by the actions of those who dishonor that uniform. They have no tolerance for wolves in sheep’s clothing. Allow me to remind you, that the calling remains honorable. Wayne Watson reminds us in his song, Home Free that pain has little mercy and suffering’s no respecter of age or race or position. Your loved one is there for all people when they are suffering. Your support of calling is priceless.

I have a word of thanks for you. I feel like I know several of you. The one you love speaks so highly of you when I am out on a ride out. Thank you for waiting… Thank you for hanging in there. Thank you for sharing your special one on weekends, holidays, and birthdays. Thank you for supporting a legitimate calling. You are deeply appreciated.
Chaplain John Knox
Granbury PD, #580