thin blue line

i did not know officer andrew widman, but neither did a few thousand other law enforcement officers. i sat solemnly in a pew and listened to friends and family members describe a dedicated, loving and virtuous husband, father, son and friend. so did a few thousand other law enforcement officers. officer widman of the fort myers police department was fatally shot on july 18, 2008 while responding to a call for service. a call for service that those few thousand officers have responded to countless times. as i sat and listened, i could not help but look at his wife, toddler son, 21 month-old daughter and 5 month-old daughter. he was 30 years old and 16 months on the job. along with a few thousand officers, i thought about my family. although i try, i can not tell my husband i love him enough. i can not kiss him softly enough in the morning so i do not disturb his sleep. i can't help but throw my arms around him when he leaves, not wanting to let go. he will never fully understand the pride that i feel when i see him in church, on the job or with friends and family. i am honored and blessed to say he is my husband and i love him. i am proud of the family that i was raised around. we are our own strength and i want them to know i love each of them individually and dearly. my friends are my family. they remain by my side and do not judge.

as the horse drawn caisson carries officer widman to his resting place, a few thousand law enforcement officers stand in full dress uniform under the sun, at attention. the flag is folded, the guns salute, the helicopters fly over head, the bagpipes play amazing grace, and a final radio call for id 413 is heard over the radio. he is 10-7. i cry. so do a few thousand other law enforcement officers.