Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Holding It All Inside

My husband didn't know this, but I quietly opened the door to the guest room where he was sleeping fighting off a fever and nasty cold. I watched him and was happy he was home safe in his bed.  Now, I keep arguing with him saying that he could have pneumonia, but he doesn't believe in going to the Doctor.  "They're all crooks and all we do is pad their wallets so they can go and find fancy cars.  Half of them have no clue what they are saying."  So, through all that, the coughing, the fever, I still value the time he is home. 

Arizona lost a fine police officer this week.  Lt. Eric Shuhandler was a member of the Gilbert Police Department. 



He worked closely with my brother every day.  He was at my brother's wedding.  And, he was shot in the face by scum of the earth while on a traffic stop.  My heart aches everytime I think of his two daughters 10 and12 not growing up with their father.  I too, was 12  years old, when my father, who was a Lt. was killed.  My heart aches for his ex-wife, who felt the police life was not for her, yet he was still the father of her children.  My heart aches for the Gilbert Police Department because they are a band of brothers...and my heart aches for my brother, who tries to hold it all inside, when he is hurting. 

And, I look at my husband, and he's hurting too.  He has said numerous times "there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop."  But, you know, my sister-in-law said it best, "I am proud to be a wife in the police department."  And I am too. 

I don't let others see how deeply this story has affected me.  I must be strong and continue on.  It's just so hard when it hits close to home.

RIP Lt. Eric Shuhandler. Thank you for your service to our community.

4 comments:

  1. scum!
    heart breaking to hear about this senseless act.I cant even imagine.
    Stella,I am here for you if you need anything,
    your pw sister.hugs
    Our Thoughts and Prayers for Lt.Eric Shuhandler family,friends and department.

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  2. I'm here for you too, Stella. I hope your brother is doing the best he can considering all that has happened. Jennie

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  3. My heart and prayers go out to you and the families affected by this senseless tragedy. A good friend of mine is a Gilbert police officer and Eric was his Lt. I don't know you personally, but I pray that your husband stays safe!

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  4. Thanks for the kind words. I didn't know or realize that Eric's ex-wife was a Scottsdale Police Officer. That's two Gilbert Police Officers they have lost in the line of duty in the past 4 years. But, we are proud of our men and what they do!

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