Mama, take these guns from me..........

A friend of mine sent me this, I thought I would share it with my brothers and sisters who carried a badge in the past and to those who still do, in hopes that they too will see the day that they can "hang up their badge and guns".

When Cops Retire

When a good man leaves the job and retires to a "better life," many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, actually wonder........

.....wonder whether he/she really knows what they are doing and are leaving behind....... because we already know.

We know for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, such will always remain as a longing for those past times.

We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the badge, cuffs and weapons are turned in and the uniforms are hung up back in the closet.

We know that if he actually might even think of eventually throwing his old uniforms away, they will be always on him with every step and breath that remains.

We also know just how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart, still is and always will be.

These are the burdens of the job.

You will still look at people suspiciously...

Still see what others do not see, or choose to ignore...

You will always look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a deep respect for what they bravely and unselfishly do.

This remains from a lifetime of knowing it, doing it, and living it.

Never think for one moment that you are escaping from "the life."

You are only escaping "the job and we are merely finally allowing you to leave an active duty."

So what I wish for you now is that whenever you eventually and finally ease into your well-deserved retirement, that in your heart you never forget for one moment....

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God....

and never, ever forget that as a law enforcement-retiree, you always are part of one the greatest fraternities that the world has known.

Be Well! Be Safe! Be Fair! Be Strong! Be Proud!