Tomorrow is not promised. So living in the present and making each moment count is vital. Little things, like saying goodbye, are often taken for granted. I am not saying anything you haven’t heard before. Be thoughtful in each situation and encounter that you have.
While this list may seem obvious to some, we all, at times, need a reminder or motivation. You need it, I need it, a cop needs it.
I am beside you in this journey as a police wife. I am neither above you nor in front of you. I, too, need to reflect on each day or each shift and ask myself if I did these simple things in life that are so very important.
There have definitely been times where I have forgotten to follow this list myself. I am NOT perfect. I have called my husband after he has left for work to say “I Love You”. I have left my cop feeling angry, so I try to rectify things while he is working. I just know that I try to follow this list as best as I can. I encourage you to try also, but give yourself some grace if you happen to be human. 😉
What you SHOULD do before your spouse starts his/her shift:
Say “I Love You” and “See you later”.
Don’t ever regret not saying those 3 important words. You love your spouse, so let them hear it. This is true whether you are law enforcement or not. Saying “see you later” also makes me mentally feel better and it keeps me positive that his shift will be over soon and we will reunite again.
Hug and Kiss Goodbye.
This is just putting the action into “I Love You”. Show them affection and let them show it to you. It may be a while before you will see your spouse again, but that hug and kiss will be a memory to last you all day (or multiple shifts, unfortunately).
Never leave one another angry.
Another truth even if you aren’t law enforcement, but even more so, if you are. Leaving one another angry is not healthy and it creates unnecessary stress in both of your lives. Your cop needs a clear, level head to start shift. As a police wife, you also need a clear mind to make it through his long shift, especially while running the household, children, and your job. Please try to work things out before anyone leaves the house. Or at least agree to have a discussion later and calmly end the discussion for the day. You can always come back to it later.
Offer Support.
Always let your cop know you are present and there for him/her. Emotionally, mentally, physically. Your officer may need to vent before starting work and whether it is through text or a quick discussion while getting ready for the day, you can always find time to lend support. Sometimes this is the case during your officer’s shift. Just be an ear to listen and a hand to hold.
Say a Prayer.
This can be on your own or together. I always pray for my husband’s safe return and I don’t think he even knows that. I am sure he has an idea, but this is probably the first time I have actually “said” it. Once my husband leaves in that cruiser, I put faith in God that he will be protected and home safely. You can’t spend your time worrying while he is gone, so trust in God and pray. Many couples pray together, so if you and your spouse do this, then praying before shift is a great way to both put trust and faith in God and release worry.
If you need some prayer examples for law enforcement, here are some of my favorites.
*BONUS*
Before my husband leaves for duty, I like to send off with healthy, sustainable snacks while he is on shift. It gives him energy and fuel to make it between meals. Some of my favorites are: nuts, greek yogurt, cheese sticks, fruit, hard boiled eggs, & granola bars. Pack extra large ice packs to keep everything cool! Your officer will thank you for this! Not for everyone, but if it is your thing- then go for it.
Once again, please don’t take life for granted. Please focus on the “right now”. Helping to start your officer’s shift off on a good note will only make his frame of mind more clear when dealing with stressors of the job and it helps to give you peace of mind.
Needing some constant encouragement as a police wife? It is perfect for anyone married to a cop. Be sure to check out my brand new book on Amazon, The Peacemaker’s Wife: A Journal for Reflection and Encouragement for your Life as a Police Wife.
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