It’s probably no surprise to say that when an officer and a
chaplain are working side by side it’s most likely not a happy event.
In my personal experience I have worked beside an amazing
man who is the one who always showed up when something catastrophic transpired
involving an officer or a child. He is the go-to debriefer. We have remarked
that it’s not a good thing that we have to work together yet we are so very
grateful we do.
That detective who became a colleague retired this past
year. I’m so very happy for him. Now he is busier than ever but choosing his
energy-spending vs. tragic loss and deeper issues choosing for him.
Over the years we have worked side by side I came to
understand that much like so many experiences it takes “one” to know one. Some
examples might be a breast cancer patient who tells their story to another; a
leukemia patient who encourages a newly diagnosed one. There is also a bond
between police offers that only an insider can truly sit beside another among
tragedy and trauma.
My colleague and friend has given me many gifts of understanding
over our tenure. Today I was hopefully able to pay that forward.
Today I was asked to see a retired police detective. He has
cancer but that isn’t what’s on his mind. He is having serious issues with PTS
reliving so many of the tragic losses he came upon before he retired. He also
spoke of seeing every person no matter how “bad” as a person. He also told me
about his own mentor when he was a newbie.
One of the radiation machines was being recalibrated this
day. That unfortunately backed up the patient appointments.
Fortunately, an RN called me to meet this teary retired cop
who after an hour gave me one of the highest compliments a chaplain could
receive from a person in “blue”.
We shook hands firmly as he said, “I am so glad I talked
with you today. Talking with you today was like talking to another cop.”
I am grateful to my colleague who I shall not name here to
protect his identity however, to every officer whose heart sees the humanity in
those who need a hand up and struggles with the consequences of extreme
violence I am grateful.
Today I was blessed with the extreme and violent stories of
a cop needing to tell. That may not make sense to you reading…… but it does to
me.
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