For the last three weeks I have been on a vacation...a road trip. I figured we could just go away and leave the real world behind. It has worked really well especially in Gettysburg where our room had no TV. It worked really well until yesterday. The real world found us. More specifically, the real world found me. And I want to be very careful with this because it is not about me. Not even close.
I had just boarded the subway in Boston when I received a message on my phone from a friend back in Phoenix. An officer I had hired had been killed in the line of duty. His name is Travis Murphy. He has left behind a wife and two very small children.
In the 21 years that I was a Phoenix Police Officer, I will tell you that my happiest years were spent hiring others to be police officers. I think because I had just completed the worst years of my career and it was so refreshing to interact with these eager kids who were so excited to get their careers started. They reminded my of why I decided to do the job and each of them holds a special place in my heart. That is why this breaks my heart.
I have tried to find the words to adequately pay tribute to someone who gives so unselfishly of himself and words that could diminish the pain his family feels right now. I just can't find them....probably because they just don't exist. So, for now, an Irish Blessing I found will have to do. Yes, an Irish blessing....because with a name like Murphy what better blessing could there be......
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
When the shadows fall
You do not walk alone.
My deepest prayers and condolences to his family.
Rest in peace dear man.....
1 comment:
That's so sad. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend.
Post a Comment