Being a LEOW — Always Remember — Never Forget

As I am sitting at home today I remember (like most) where I was 11 years ago.  I was not a Law Enforcement Officer’s Wife (LEOW).  I was not near any of the sites where the tragedy hit.  I was working on a project and teaching a class regarding accounting in Lynchburg, VA.  All of a sudden everyone’s cell phones started beeping/ringing and we all were in shock.  How could something like this be happening?

My eldest son was in 1^st grade back in Texas – I was over 2,000 miles away and all I wanted to do was get home to be with my family.  I remember the heart wrenching feeling that I had as we tried to figure out how to get a rental car and drive straight through.

Although the terrorists of those terrible attacks died as cowards – the other passengers of those 4 flights were heroes.  Those husbands, fathers, wives, mothers, children…..all got on those planes not knowing their fate—and I can only hope that we, as American citizens, honor them in every way possible.

Then to think back on those other innocent people that were in their offices working or those that were tourists visiting – to have to say goodbye to loved ones on cell phones…..truly tragic.  Then the first responders – regardless of the color of uniform or shape of badge – they went in to those horrific scenes as they did every other day – to save all that they could without thinking of their own safety.  They helped carrying people down, they threw themselves in harms way – to save as many people as possible.

Although I did not even know my current LEO husband – I have heard him tell stories of how many like him (he was a volunteer firefighter at the time) were ready and willing to go to New York/Pennsylvania/Virginia at the drop of a hat.  All of the first responders are a family within themselves.  They never think of just themselves in any tragic situation.  To think that I could have lost (without even knowing it) my current husband – and then to think of all those wives that did that day.  It truly hurts my heart to think of what they went through.

Now 11 years later — we are starting to see an increase in the deaths of LEO around the country.  These men and women that are trying to protect our cities, streets, and neighborhoods – only to be shot down by some unforgiving, inhumane individuals.  We are now living in a time that the knock on the door could happen just about anywhere.  I am so thankful for all of those that put their lives on the line every day….I appreciate the selflessness…..and I honor the families of these individuals as they are giving up their husbands/fathers/wives/mothers for the betterment of society.

I was your average American citizen 11 years ago and never thought that I would be on the other side of the fence….but I am and I am even more honored to be able to call myself a LEOW and know that I have a family beyond my own that is there for me every day no matter what – just like they were 11 years ago.–>