I Am The Fraction

A Police Wife’s Vent

By ModernMelly

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World Gone Mad

I saw a meme yesterday of a man sitting in a chair, popcorn in lap, watching wide-eyed the world on fire, and I thought, ‘yes, exactly’. I thought about that image for a while; that he sat there passively, just watching, as it it were a TV show. I thought about how I’ve found myself sitting just so (sans popcorn) before the TV news broadcast detailing yet another ambush and murder of Police. I’ve thought about the only thing worse than a world on fire, is a large part of society rejoicing in it, another large part apathetic to it, and only a fraction horrified, heart-broken and angered by it.

I am a member of the fraction. I am a Police Wife. We’ve watched those newscasts while our husbands/wives/partners in law enforcement prepare for another day at work. While members of our Blue Family are preparing to bury a Brother or a Sister in Blue in another part of the country, we’re trying to act ‘normal’.

Our Version Of Normal

These are the ‘normal’ ‘out loud’ conversations, but what we’re really saying? Here:

“Hey, did you want me to drop of the dry-cleaning today?”

“Nah, I’ll do it on the way in.”

 “I’m scared for you.”

 “I’m scared, too.”

“I’m thinking steaks on the grill tonight, okay?”

“Sounds good, babe.”

“Don’t go in to work, please.”

“No choice, I have to.”

“Don’t forget, we have plans on Thursday with Tom and Sue.”

“Got it in the calendar, all good as long as they don’t order me in.”

“What if…”

“I know. It’ll be okay. I’ll be okay.”

“Have a good day, I love you.”

“I love you. Come home tonight, please just make it home.”

“I love you. I’ll do my best, I promise.”

It’s not that we don’t actually have those inner conversations out loud, we do. We have to. But unless we want to end up spending our days curled in the fetal position in a corner, terrified for them and us and the ugliness of the world, we have to act… Normal. So, we go for coffee with our girlfriends, we go to work, we do everything you do. But while we’re talking about LuLaRoe and wondering what the hell Pokemon Go is all about, our ears perk and our hearts drop at the sound of sirens down the street or the breaking news flash across the TV screen behind you in the coffee shop, but you won’t know that because all the while we smile brightly and carry on. It’s what we’ve been trained to do.

But I’ve got to take a moment to say: I’m tired, damn it. I’m tired and I’m sad and I am angry as hell. I’m tired of the hate and lies, the false narrative about Police in America perpetrated by the BLM, our governing ‘leaders’ and the mass media. As far as I’m concerned, they ALL have the blood of these men and women on their hands, they are all guilty as hell.

A Fraction Is Not Enough

I’m tired of being the fraction. Where are all the good people at? You know, the ones with common sense and the ability to think and see beyond what a 15 second video tells you to see? Where are the everyday people who believe in law and order? You surely benefit from it, so why aren’t you standing up for it? Yes, I know, some of you- several of you are. But I’m a little whole lot sick of hearing ‘I would love to post a pro-police comment but, you know, it’s so controversial and I have friends who might get upset and I don’t want to start anything’. Really?! My husband would risk his life for you- give his life for you, and you can’t publicly say, “YAY COPS!” because you’re scared?! I can’t even.

Sorry (#notsorry), but if you can’t strap on your big boy and big girl pants and stand up for law enforcement, I’ve got to cut you loose. My people risk too much for this kind of disregard and disrespect. If you’re not standing up, you’re complicate to the madness. Harsh? Maybe. But like I said, I’m sick and tired, folks. If you’re not going to be part of the solution, you are part of the problem. So I’ll leave you with this quote to think about:

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt 

I would say to you that speaking up for the lives of heroes is more important than your fear of being not liked by someone, but hey, that’s just me I guess…

*The image used in this post is from this youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0jolwUHw54

** Since first writing this post, some things have changed. Sadly, attacks on Law Enforcement have not only continued, but increased. The only bright spot on the horizon is the promises from our new President that Law Enforcement will no longer be ignored by our government. I am hopeful. We shall see.

 

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About Modern Melly, aka Melanie Cherniack: Melanie a a published author to nine children’s books, as well as two novels, all available through her website modernmelly.com/shop. Melanie is also the founder and designer of the #goodhuman brand, selling empowering, uplifting and inspiring merchandise which benefits numerous charities. Visit igoodhuman.com for more. She is available for book signing events as well as speaking engagements. To book an event email Melanie at modernmellyworld@gmail.com. Find Melly on Facebook HERE and on Twitter HERE.