I have gone in and out of this door 8, 9, 20 times a day for the past 12 years and this height chart has been here, in this spot for most of them. I paused today looking at it. Somehow, I saw it differently than previous days. Tonight it caught my attention tonight as I came walking in the door. I just realized that this month is my 12th year working as an Auxiliary Officer at the Police Department. Time does infact, fly…

12 Years ago Sarah was just born and Kayla would help me wash our police cars when I'd bring them home. Kayla's gone and away at college and Sarah is now taller than this chart can measure and has no desire at all to wash cars with me. The night I was sworn in Tracy had Sarah swaddled in blanket and she wasn't a month old? 12 years. Where'd they go?

Tonight I attended a graduation ceremony for about 20 new auxiliary officers from various agencies in our county. Men and women, hope and aspirations shined thru on their young faces. I watched from the podium as the families pinned on their badges. It put me right back 12 years ago to my first time having a badge on my uniform shirt- there was a weight to it. Not in a measurable way but a weight of morality and purpose. I still feel it each time I don the uniform even today. 12 years?

If I had been able to address the new members of the law enforcement family I'd tell them besides being safe and all the normal stuff to live in the moment as life truly passes us by in leaps and bounds. I can prove it, here is 12 years right in front of your eyes…