The Ultimate Sacrafice

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As we got closer to Vacaville the freeway began to thicken with flashing lights.  In our rear view mirror, there was a rope of blue and red stretching beyond our view.  Even in the civilian cars beside us we saw badges, patches, suits, dresses.  We all exited the freeway and the emotions began to rise.

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The actual road became the parking lot.  Patrol vehicles lined three cars deep stretched at least an entire block. I tried to read the names of the departments as I deciphered the curved lettering on the rear of the black, blue, and white vehicles we passed.   Hundreds of  motorcycles reflected the sun on the opposite curb and literally drew a gasp from my mouth. Stunning.

When we approached the church, the sight became even more breathtaking.  There were badges from all over the country dressed in their Class As with the every button, snap, badge, and boot carefully and thoughtfully polished. Nevada, Washington, New York were a few that I noticed.  Every bay area city and agencies that stretched the entire state stood in the courtyard.  The emotion was moving. The feeling was somber.

Over 4000 people took their seats.  The casket was draped in an American flag and the bagpipes played as we stood while the hero, Officer Kenyon Youngstrom, was brought to the front of the church. I had been anticipating the bagpipes and the anguish that their sound would stir.

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The memorial was beautiful. I have a new, deep respect for the CHP.  I commented to the CHP wives I knew that they should be very proud to be part of something so wonderful. It was clear that Officer Youngstrom's family had been very cared for and embraced by the CHP during the week that had passed since his End of Watch.  I am certain they will continue to find that support there.

May God bless each officer this day.  Keep them safe.  Keep there minds clear and their judgment sound.

To Karen Youngstrom and all four children, so many tears my family and I have shed for you whom we have never met.  Your support system stretches throughout the cities and across this state, even across the country.  You will continue to be remembered in our prayers in hopes of peace being brought to your hearts.

Analyzing My Cop

Comedic:  When CA Cop's partner shows up to back him up on a domestic call and the greasy pot head exclaims "Oh great that's all this world needs- more cops!"

Exhausting:  When CA Cop's department schedules 30 hours of class during his 3 days off- twice in one month.  Overtime pay is nice, but so is sleep.

Frustrating: When the young woman was beaten so badly during the rape that she is unconscious and the hospital refuses to do a rape kit without her consent.

Haunting: The bloated, decomposing face of the suicide victim, mouth open, left arm sticking straight up into the air.

Enraging: When CA Cop assisted the nine year old girl out  from the back passenger seat of the SUV her plastered mother was driving around town.  The mother so drunk that vomit stuck in her stringy blond hair and dripped onto her jeans as she swerved through the city streets.

Empowering: CA Cop hearing the sound of his cuffs clicking tightly on the wrists of one of the home burglary suspects, the thug's elbows raw and bleeding from the pavement they just encountered during the struggle.


Creating this list puts things into perspective for me as a Cop's wife. I know my job description better when I can sit back and analyze his.
I think that our home needs to be a place where he can find warmth, joy in his children, and some feet up relaxation time.  I will do my best with this in mind because I can only imagine what he carries on his mind.

Snapshots of A Cop's Wife's Life III

We went ahead and paid for some additional home security.  So far, worth every penny.....