Most of you who who have followed my creative endeavors for any time here on the blog or on social media are likely aware that my husband is a Police Officer for our local department and I am a former Police Officer from the same organization.
This past Saturday, our department, the Prince William County Police Department, experienced for only the 4th time in our 45 year history, a line of duty death of one of our officers.
The murder of Officer Ashley Guindon - on her first day on the job - is heartbreaking for our law enforcement community nationwide.
Two more of our finest, Officer Jesse Hempen and Officer Dave McKeown, were critically injured during the shooting as well and are currently recovering from their injuries.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the details, here is a link to the press release by the PWCPD:
My husband is part of our department's Peer Support Team - uniquely tasked with counseling and advising the officers and staff of the department in times like these.
It is a hard place, absorbing the hurt and heartache and anger that is the natural response of all affected.
I've absorbed his real-life heartache as he shares with me his own sadness and his concern for our Blue Family.
I've taken in as well, the news coverage and punditry of those outside the line - all trying to make sense of the senseless - an impossible task, even for those of us inside the line.
I've reflected on my own history with the department, turning over memories again and again in my mind of times when things could have taken a deadly turn.
It makes you catch your breath sharply when you allow yourself to think of what, but for the grace of God, could have been.
As an artist, I turned to what I know best, my craft, my outlet to express some of the emotions that have been coming in waves these past 48 hours.
Truly, for some things, there are just no words.
Tuesday, March 1st, we will pay our last respects to Officer Guindon and thank her for her service and ultimate sacrifice - paid on our behalf.
The Thin Blue Line will continue to stand strong in your honor.
Please pray for us.
Pray for our Blue Family.
Our Brothers and Sisters in Blue who guard over us.
Not just the Prince William County Police Department, but ALL Law Enforcement Officers.
Never forget that they go where others will not.
They defend the defenseless and stand up for those who cannot.
And at times, they are called to pay the greatest price
for the least of us all.
Great is the cost of a devoted heart, sworn to protect and serve.
Robin, We saw this on the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Big Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jan. xoxo
DeleteWe have been following her story. Thank you all for your service. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Guindon and her loved ones.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear Robin, your card is beautiful, my thoughts are with you Xx
ReplyDeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteWe heard about this in Florida. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you.
I saw this on our news here in Florida. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and each of you.
ReplyDeleteThere may be no words...but you said it all so beautifully. You found the right words to express what you are going through and what so many are feeling. My heart and prayers are with you and full of gratitude for those who serve and sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out for you & all the police officers in your community.... Such a sad state of affairs this country has gotten into with the killing of the innocent. Hopefully the other 2 officers will heal quickly and get back to their family's. I absolutely loved your card. It really says it all. Thank you for sharing.... Cookie
ReplyDeleteRobin, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your husband and his department, the entire law enforcement community and, of course, with Officer Ashley Guindon and her family. May she rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteWith deepest sympathy - Kathy (wife of newly retired NJ State Trooper and mom to rookie NYPD Officer)
Thank you for putting a face on what has become an all-too-often news story. And thank your husband for helping his fellow officers. Our thoughts are with you all.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I live in Alexandria, so of course we've been following this since it happened. Officer Guindon is, was, actually younger than my own kids and I know how bad domestic violence calls are, so it's particularly difficult, I can only imagine how it is for your family. Actually, I take that back, I can't even imagine. God bless.
ReplyDeleteHi Robin, What a beautiful card! I also appreciate you opening your heart in your story behind the card. I, too, am the wife of a deputy sheriff who worked 34 years & 1 month before he retired last May 31st, 2015. While I was not an official deputy, in many ways I felt like I was being his wife and support. I saw how the job changed over the years; I also have seen how the job is different in various area of the country, we here in the Pacific NorthWest don't have quite the same problems that other parts of the country. I would like to CASE your card, would you happen to have the name of the stamp you used on the front? What did you do on the inside? I wish you and your husband all the best ... stay safe! Tami Butler
ReplyDeleteHi Tami, thank you so much for your message!
DeleteThe stamp is from the Rose Wonder stamp set that's in the current Stampin' Up! Occasions Catalog. I didn't put anything on the inside, yet. I'll likely use it as a display piece.