Cop's Wife

There are several things that define people.  You know what I mean.  If you met someone new and had one minute to tell them who you were, you have a list of things you would say.

Like me, I always say, "Happily Married for ___ years, Irish twins - a boy and a girl, ages 6 and 7, lived in Northern VA my whole life, 6 heart surgeries, on my 3rd pacemaker, writing my first book...oh and my husband's a cop."  I mean, it varies, depending on the situation, sometimes its a lot more, sometimes its much less.  But I almost always mention the fact that I am a Cop's wife. 

He gets a badge, but I feel like I wear one too.  I think what defines you is what is a huge part of your daily life. And Josh being a cop is a HUGE part of my daily life.  And it gives me an extreme sense of pride being able to say that. 

People always have stories to share and questions to ask when they hear that. It's like having the pacemaker.  But more people know about and have experience with cops than pacemakers.  Here's the thing though, theres a disconnect I have  every morning when I wake up and he's off to patrol.  He starts his shift at 5:30 am, and I am usually up shortly after that. And while I know he's at work, I don't allow myself to think about what he's facing.  I assure myself every morning he's got his (bullet proof) vest on, and his gun securely attached to his belt.  The vests are hot and heavy and uncomfortable, but a bullet is a lot more uncomfortable.  So that was one of the things he promised me when he became a cop - that he would ALWAYS keep his vest on, even in the Africa-like heat.  I also avoid the news on the days he's on shift.  I don't want to know if there's an active shooter in the county.  I don't want to know. 

On the rare occasion he's come home late with no word, I start picturing his Lieutenant's car arriving at my door with bad news, just like you see in the movies or on 48 Hours Mystery. It's hell when he's late. But that hardly ever happens, and now that he's learned to text, I almost always know what time he will be home. 

It's also hard when I hear of the verbal abuse he gets from County citizens.  On more than one occasion, he's been in a 7-11 getting a bottle of water or a soda - NEVER EVER A DONUT - and people have walked up to him and said, "What are you doing in here? My taxes pay your salary!! Get back in your car!"  Seriously???  I want to scream and go on a rampage when I hear about that kind of stuff.  I mean he literally puts his life on the line for these a**holes? What?

But then, there are the times when we are out and he's in uniform, like the time he showed up at my son's field trip - and little kids were shyly walking up to him in awe.  Asking him questions and stuff.  That makes it all better. 

And then of course, there's the HOT factor too.  It's hot having a handsome cop for a husband.  What can I say? I'm a healthy, red blooded, mid-30's (okay later 30's) married woman! And its just hot!

But seriously, I know I've become a member of a lifelong club.  The cops, their wives/husbands, their kids, we are all one huge family.  I never doubt for a second I could call any of his squad members for anything (and I don't even know all of them) and they would be here in a second.  Josh says its a brotherhood, similar to being a soldier.  You learn to take a bullet for them, and they will for you too.  That kind of devotion a strong family makes.

I'm only 8 years in, so we have a long road ahead of us.  But I love it. I love being a Cop's wife.  So, don't mess with me.  Ha ha. 

Love, Bionic Mommy