To Serve and Protect - Officer Randall Simmons
Posted on February 16, 2008 - Filed Under acts of valor, american idols, my opinions, tribute
He was a giant, both physically and spiritually - perhaps moreso spiritually. His name was Randal Simmons, he was a 27 year veteran of the Los Angeles SWAT team and the first member in its 40 year history to ever be killed. Ten thousand people attended his funeral yesterday, officers from as far away as Australia attended. Gang members, old classmate, politicians, strangers - they all went to honor this man. Why?
Because not only was he excellent at his job he was an excellent human being. He gave to the community, not just as a police officer, sworn to serve and protect - but as a youth minister. He affected hundreds of lives and helped countless youths to get off the fast track to hell and ruination and onto the path of a better life. The day of his death, and for days afterward, there were countless radio broadcasts on talk radio where people who knew him and especially young people whom he had helped called in. The calls would have broken your heart. This was a man who quietly went about his life. He put on his uniform and gun every day and headed out to the mean streets of L.A. but he went out there with an open heart and hand. His goal was to help. And he did.
I know that we all like to complain about cops. When we see them behind us in traffic, our paranoia kicks in and we drive extra careful. When they catch us not quite stopping at the stop sign, we curse under our breath and smile as we sign the copy of the ticket. Then go home and bitch and moan about it to our friends, spouse, family. And we never stop to think about the fact that these men and women literally take their lives in their hands every day for our benefit. To protect us. To keep us safe. We never stop to thank them or wish them a good day. We just take for granted that when something terrible happens they will come to our rescue.
And on that day, Randal Simmons did. A man was holding his family hostage - he had literally lost his mind and had already killed three members of his family. But Officer Simmons and his comrades went anyway. They went to help anyone who might still be alive, they went so that the man wouldn’t kill another human being. Unfortunately, he did kill one more - Randall Simmons. A man who so deserved to live moreso than many others still walking around and enjoying their lives. A man who truly did good in the world. Who cared about the world he lived in and tried to make it a better place, one person at a time.
Angels open arms
rise to their holy welcome
your spirit is home
Rest in peace, Officer Simmons. Thank you for being here and for all that you did for your fellow man. Bless your family.
If you would like to help his family, click here. To read more about this incredible man, click here.
Gone But Not Forgotten
Posted on December 8, 2007 - Filed Under Christmas, american idols, beautiful photos, my opinions, support our troops
I find this not only amazing, but it also touches my heart. (HT to Marli for sending me this) WC
These wreaths — some 5,000 — are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington , Maine . The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He’s done this since 1992. A wonderful guy. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, Your job is done.
Rest easy, Sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell; The line has held.
To all our troops and their families, know that we love you, appreciate you and pray for you. Merry Christmas.
Respectfully,
WC
Update: While cruising the net tonight I also found this guy who is sending Christmas trees to the troops. Unfortunately, they’re done for 2007 but they are accepting donos for 2008. I love this stuff!
Annie
A Small Request
Posted on September 13, 2007 - Filed Under Heroes, american idols, support our troops
(My buddy Reggie, sent this to me in an email and I wanted to pass it on. WC )
As I reflect on this photograph, I see once again that not all the brave leave the “home of the brave” to enter battle; some are required now to be the brave of the home
It is said a picture is worth a thousand words but it leaves me speechless and tears in my eyes.
We have a long list of good friends whose husbands are deploying to Iraq next month. One of the wives sent me this. We feel compelled to send it on. Your prayers are deeply appreciated. These guys deserve our love, our hugs and most powerfully, our prayers.
I understand that life in Iraq is very difficult to bear right now. Our troops need our prayers for strength, endurance and safety.
“Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need… Amen.”
Please stop for a moment and say a prayer for our troops around the world.
Of all the gifts you could give a US Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine deployed in harm’s way, prayer is the very best!!!
