October 7th

It was seven years ago today.

It feels, at times, like yesterday.

She was hard-working.

She gave us what we needed; not everything we wanted but what we needed.

Love

Discipline

Education

She taught us right from wrong and the worst thing I could ever have imagined hearing would have been her saying "I'm disappointed in you."

I was in the sixth grade when I decided I wanted to be a police officer. I think it was Adam-12 and The Rookies that did it to me. I don't really remember.

What I do remember is this. When I was in the sixth grade women weren't police officers. It was a job only men did.

She never said a word to discourage me. Not one.

Then, when I was a grown up and a police officer in a small town, I took her to a Detroit Tigers game. As I was watching the officers from the Detroit Police Department between innings, I mentioned something about applying for a job with the DPD.

She shook her head.

"What, wouldn't you like having a daughter who was a captain," I asked.

"I'd rather have a daughter who was safe."

Just like she never discouraged me, she never let me know that she worried. Beyond that one remark.

I miss you, Mom.

Thanks for giving me roots and for giving me wings.

I hope I've done you proud.