The blue line represents law enforcement who protect this nation daily. The black background was designed as a constant reminder of our fallen officers.
The anniversary of Charles Skinner's death weighed heavily on the minds of those who served with him and with those of us you stand behind them. Shortly after that mark the law enforcement community as a whole has taken some blows in the last month. If you click on the link for the "Officer Down Memorial Page" there on the right, you will see them listed with the story of how they died and who they left behind. There is also a place to leave and view a reflection if you wish.
First of all in Seattle Officer Timothy Brenton was brutally murdered after a traffic stop. He was training another officer and was evaluating the traffic stop when the trainee "sensed" danger and screamed for him to get down. It was too late, and probably wouldn't have made a difference. A car pulled up next to the cruiser and fired multiple shot gun rounds into the vehicle killing officer Brenton instantly. One of the rounds went through the vest of the trainee wounding her in the back. She was able to fire back, but was unsure if she was able to hit the suspect. He is survived by his wife and 2 children, 11 and 8 years old. They have a suspect in custody.
Second heartbreak. In Las Vegas, Nevada, Officer Trevor Nettleton came home from duty. He was working in his garage when some gang members entered his garage and confronted him. They exchanged fire. He was able to wound one of them before he died and they caught them at the hospital when they sought medical attention. He was a Marine Corps Veteran and is survived by his wife, 2 year old son and 2 month old daughter, his parents, and a brother who is serving in Iraq.
3rd and most gruesome, I'm sure you've all heard of the 4 officers who were murdered in a small town outside of Tacoma, WA in a coffee shop. The suspect walked up to the counter, turned around and opened fire on four officers who were briefing each other and working on their laptops. Officer Ronald Owens is survived only by his daughter, Officer Tina Griswold was survived by her husband and 2 children, Officer Greg Richards is survived by his wife and 3 children, and Sergeant Mark Renniger is survived by his wife and 3 children. After a 2 day manhunt they were able to catch up to the murderer who was shot and killed during the encounter.
This chain of events understandable gives me great anxiety. I am not grieving as bad as I was with Charlie, but my heart sincerely goes out to these families. I keep imagining what it was like for these families when their home was approached by a uniformed officer to tell them the news. My big fear is that this will create copy cats. Officers are more on their guard than they have been in the past. They are watching each other more closely as well as themselves. I'm so grateful for that true "Brotherhood".
I changed my background to incorporate blue to show my support for fallen police officers as well as those who serve every day. You'll notice that the Christmas tree has a few blue ribbons on it. I'm deeming them in honor of police everywhere.
Thanksgiving ended with a bang as we headed to the Lights at Temple Square. It seems they are getting fewer, but it's still spectacular.
All of us (in the western U.S. that is)Marianne, Becky, Me, Ethan, Livi, Dan, and my Mom. BJ was working, of course.
This is my brother's girlfriend, Jen and my sis Marianne.
Aunt Becky, E-bear, and Mommy huddled in the cold. He still loves to be swaddled.
I love extra hands! It's tiring carrying my little monster around. It's a good thing he's so cuddly! This was a cool spot by the Assembly Hall where they lit all the trees with amber lights.
Livi didn't mind being bundled up, either.
