The Sweetest Love

She started with a familiar phrase, “I’d like to be… a kidney donor for…” but her tone was unusual. 
She was quiet, still, sincere, and courageous.  Her questions were routine but she wanted to say more.  As it turns out, there is a condition that will be with her for the rest of her life and an [...]

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The Pistol That No One Bothered to Find

Ten offenders in a holding cell.
Two officers to watch and search them all.
One offender was hiding a pistol and in a moment the gun hit the floor with that unmistakable clunking sound.
One officer saw the firearm and threw two offenders to the floor.
He jumped to gain control of the four inch revolver that never should have [...]

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In one instant, the people,… are all gone.

I can’t stay away.  I’ve been debating whether or not to go to the Philippines in February.  Just when I thought I could put off my next visit until 2011 HBO has started their 24/7 Pacquiao – Cotto series for the upcoming fight
http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2009/1114_pacquiao_cotto/index.html
As luck would have it, Manny decided to train in Baguio City in [...]

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Each One is a Book

I’m somewhat surprised that I haven’t grown tired of my job yet.
I’ve recognized the drudgery and the menial tasks of my work.  I suppose every job has those things.  You know, there are days that seem unbelievably overwhelming.
Sometimes I’m just plain exhausted.
I have to tell you that the most rejuvenating part of my work lies [...]

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A Purposeful Life

I let myself down two days ago.  A shooting and a hit-and-run took place right in front of me and I chose to not to care.  I was in perfect position to chase the offender’s vehicle but made a conscious choice to go on my way.  I was the only one who could’ve followed the [...]

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You Need to Be Brave

With a little bit of focus, effort, and courage you’ll see that situations around you that make you feel anxious and overwhelmed are caused by the simple fact that you are scared out of your mind to live your life in the unknown. 
Lay down your fear. Step over it quietly. 
Have confidence in the fact that [...]

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A Mother’s Good-Bye

“Farewell, my child. You are here lying in the cold coffin, leaving behind the wailing of loved ones. I sing you lullabies by your side, so sweet, like I did when you were a baby, wishing you a peaceful sleep. They are now sung through my crying sobs, sung to wish you an eternal blessed [...]

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The Good-Bye That I Can’t Understand

Here’s a death that has confounded me (and everyone) for the last few weeks:
24 year old Annie Le’s body was found on her wedding day.
Honest to God, I can’t understand this one. 
All of their family members and all of their friends were supposed to witness this young couple’s lifetime commitment to each other.
Instead, they’re coming [...]

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The Child’s Smile

I was on my motorcycle and stopped at an intersection downtown.  The sun was bright and beaming and the blue sky was all above us.  People were going home.  Everyone was going home it seemed.  It was five o’clock.
People were going from left to right and vice versa in the crosswalk in that hurried way [...]

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Notes From a Chicago Police Officer’s Funeral

We parked six blocks away from St. Bede’s and followed the others; walking in our small groups of two’s and three’s.  As we got closer to the Church something odd happened that I think I only noticed because so many people were in uniform:  the small, separate groups all merged slowly forming larger bunches of ten or [...]

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