This post was started on August 7, 2015. It was meant as an encouraging marriage post, but with the turn of events of that day it turned into something very different.
Today is my twenty second wedding anniversary. I have to say that again to myself because I truly can
not believe it. I had, literally, no clue what I was getting myself into on that windy day 22 years ago. But thank goodness God did and may He alone be glorified through every part and every season of our life together.
At times our road has been full of potholes, dodging in and out to not wreck havoc and spend precious time fixing things. Other times, it is a freeway that rides smooth and fast as we pass by other travelers. There has even been a time when the road was washed out and it seemed there was going no further. But as we waited and sought God’s face, He miraculously built a bridge and made a new road of redemption and restoration. We have picked up some precious cargo along the way, but have also had to drop some off too so they can travel their own road.
These years have brought many lessons and some I have even forgotten, but one thing rings true, God is always faithful and He continues to pour out His grace and mercy that together we may be conformed to His image. I love the saying “Marriage isn’t to make us happy, but rather to make us holy.” Anyone who has been married for any length of time knows this is truth.
This day all His mercies are new!
This day has made me realize the husband I have is strong, brave, courageous, and honorable. God has looked down on him with favor and blessing.
We all headed to the ranch to spend the weekend with my husband as he had to work on our anniversary. We planned a fabulous dinner of barbecued elk steaks, giant Idaho baked potatoes slathered with our favorite toppings, and chocolate zucchini cake for dessert. We had an early dinner and Mike decided to save dessert for later when he got a free moment to come back for cake.
The kids and I enjoyed a quiet evening relaxing at the ranch.
My husband and the Chaplin came back to the ranch around 11pm for what I thought was cake.
But he was home to stay.
He came upstairs to let me know he had been put on administrative leave……half asleep I could not make sense of that. What? What do you mean?
“I had to shoot someone tonight.”
As soon as the words hit my ears I was awake and attentive.
As I listened to the details of the incident my heart was breaking. We have been here before and all the emotions and memories came flooding back. But that was so long ago, myhusband is a different person now. He is a very different deputy. As I reigned in my emotion, I could see his heart and it was breaking. He was flooded with every emotion and when he finished telling me his account. I said these very words..”Thank you for coming home tonight.”
4 seconds.
4 seconds to make a life or death decision.
4 seconds from being called to a parking problem to having to draw and fire his weapon.
With all the news about police officers being targeted and the utter disregard for their authority, we knew this could swing in a very negative manner. But God is so good. My husband has been very proactive in getting to know all the people in the communities in which he serves. People trust him and they see him as a hero who saved not only his own life but the lives of many others.
I am thankful that my husband did not hesitate. He was strong and courageous. This incident could have ended very different.
Happy Anniversary means something very differentfor August 7, 2015. 22 years of marriage and we are very thankful we are still celebrating!
Although, officer involved shootings are not commonplace. They are on the increase at a very steady pace. This is a part of the job and truly the men and women of law enforcement are daily walking the thin blue line. These men and women are everyday people with families that they want to go home to.
I included the link of the news story for those of you that are interested. I do not feel at liberty to write about all the details in a blog post, but for the friends and family that want more info feel free to message me through facebook.
Also, when we hear the news story please remember all the facts and evidence has not been released to the media. And the things that have been released are edited by the media. (Not saying for good or bad…just saying we do not get the whole story.)
http://www.kpax.com/story/29749388/probe-into-fatal-superior-officer-involved-shooting-continues
Please know that we have had time to process through this incident and we are all doing well. It was a rough transition on finding a new normal, but all is settling in. Please pray for our men and women of law enforcement that they may have discernment, wisdom, and courage to do their jobs to the best of their abilities.
Blessings!
Kelly
