We Understand

According to Vali Stone in Cops Don't Cry (Stone, 1999),

"Policing is a consuming profession with incredibly high elements of stress.  Research suggests that police divorce rates are more than double the national average of ordinary marriages.  The spouse's fear of physical danger, adjusting to shift work, transfers, and changes in the officer's personality are only a few of the contributing factors, but the most crucial problem is the breakdown of communication within the relationship.

There are going to be times when you feel like giving up, when you're bone tired of rearranging your life around police schedules, tired of being disappointed, tired of the fears, the changes, and the hard work it takes to keep your relationship happy and successful.

You are already aware that the officer needs a balance of work, family life, home and hobbies to help alleviate stress, but what about your stress?  Does anyone care that you are not recognized for the amount of stress you endure?" [1]

There are many wonderful memories and experiences that happen when we are in relationships with law enforcement officers, and these joys need to be celebrated.  However, we also acknowledge that there are various stresses that come from being a police family.  If you are struggling with any of the issues listed above, please know that you are perfectly normal and your relationship is not doomed to fail.  The nights of crying your eyes our give way to days of laughter (Psalm 30:5, The Message), and your relationship can be stronger than it was before.

We in Shielded Hearts have been there; we have gone through highs and lows; we have been through (or are in) your same struggles.  We may not have all the answers to fix your struggles, although we can be there for each other in whatever ways people need.  Getting together over a cup of coffee for a long talk and a hug; praying together; dropping off meals for someone going through a trying time so they have one less thing to worry about; babysitting for each other so that we can have an hour or two alone with our partners.  We can all be there for each other as we navigate though life as women in the lives of Law Enforcement Officers. 

[1] Stone, V.  (1999).  Cops Don't Cry:  A book of help and hope for police families.  Ontario, Canada:  Creative Bound, Inc.