Momhood Behind the Badge

Being a mom is not always easy.  Being a mom who is married to the law can be the equivalent to competing as one of the contestants of American Ninja Warrior.  You often find yourself jumping through hoops, balancing yourself by sheer grit and determination, and hanging on for dear life.  I know….I’ve done it.

Rick and I have been married for 26 years – 24 of those wrapped in the thin blue line.  Together we’ve managed to successfully raise 3 fully adjusted adults, though there were times I wasn’t so sure any of us would make it out alive.  Smile.

Looking back now, I see clearly some of the stressors we faced and things we could have done differently, but as whole everything and everyone turned out pretty well.

Recalling one particularly stressful evening, I remember when one of our children decided to display his pre-teen independence.  Of course, dad was at work and I was extremely tired and not in any mood to corral this young buck.  So, in my frustration I found myself in the middle of a shouting match resulting in hurt feelings on both ends, and an adolescent on the run.  After a couple of hours and dark setting in, I called my husband in an anxious panic.  Our son had not returned home and I had no idea even where to look.  Because Rick was tied up on calls, another officer was sent to scour the countryside looking for our lost little lamb.  Eventually, he was found sitting at Wal-Mart a couple miles down the road, stubbornly waiting the situation out.

It’s at times like this that we as wives/mothers want to pull out our hair.  I remember thinking, Why can’t I have a husband with a normal 8-5:00 job that is home in the evenings to help me?  I didn’t sign up to be a single parent!

Not only that, but also the loneliness of not having family close, or friends whom understand your husband’s position and can assure you that it will all be okay.

Well, my friend, I’m here to tell you that it will be okay.  Those times when you feel as if you can’t go on….you can.  God made you to be strong and competent in your tasks ahead.  Just as the Proverbs 31 woman, your husband has full confidence in you and he lacks nothing in value.  You have been chosen to complete this task as an officer’s wife and his children’s mother.  You will rise to the occasion and be strengthened to manage your home proficiently, lovingly train your children with wisdom, and be respected at the city gate because of your hard work and dedication.

When your daughter has her eye on a certain young man only to find out that dad has arrested his family members….you will get through it and so will she.  Moms, be shining examples of godly womanhood.  Not only will she take note, but she will eventually pattern her life to mirror yours.

When your son wants to play at the neighbor’s house, but dad was there the night before….you will find a solution.  Teach your children how to display respect and love to everyone, especially those in less fortunate situations.  Use these instances as teachable moments and invite these children to come to your home and enjoy even for just a little while, love and acceptance.

Police kids are pretty resilient.  Though they often feel as if big brother is watching over their every move, as they get older they will come to realize it was a blessing in disguise.

Today, our Wal-Mart runaway is a police officer just like his dad, and his son, our three-year-old grand baby, runs through the house with a toy police car in hand making siren noises and crash sounds. 

Did we do something right?  Perhaps we had a small part in it.  What I do know, is that God was the key to our success and sanity.  We made it with His help, and now we can assist others who are struggling in this crazy, chaotic police life.  Sooo, chin up sister, you will succeed!

Blessings,
Kristi

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13