A Thanksgiving greeting from New Zealand

[nzmike11]

Just a quick message to say Happy Thanksgiving to all.

This item came to me from a brother cop who retired just before me. I haven't seen him in years but he's doing well. Took a job as a Special Investigations Team Manager for a large insurance company. I've never seen it before but gee is most of it sooo true!

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

We wonder if he knows what they are leaving behind,
because we already know.

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

We know in the law enforcement life there is a
fellowship which lasts long after the
uniforms are hung up in the back of the
closet.

We know even if he throws them away, they will be
on him with every step and breath that
remains in his life.

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

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 and always will look at the rest of
the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do;
only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one
moment you are escaping from that life.
You are only escaping the 'job' and merely
being allowed to leave 'active' duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease
into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one
moment that 'Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall
be called children of God,' and you are still a member
of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.




CIVILIAN FRIENDS vs. POLICE FRIENDS

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Get upset if you're too busy
to talk to them for a week.
POLICE FRIENDS: Are glad to see you after years,
and will happily carry on the
same conversation you were having the last time you
met.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.
POLICE FRIENDS: Have cried with you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days
then give it back.
POLICE FRIENDS: Keep your stuff so long they
forget it's yours.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Could write a book with direct
quotes from you.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if
that's what the crowd is doing.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will kick the crowds' ass that
left you behind.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Are for a while.
POLICE FRIENDS : Are for life.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Have shared a few experiences...
POLICE FRIENDS: Have shared a lifetime of
experiences no citizen could ever
dream of...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will take your drink away when
they think you've had enough.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will look at you stumbling all
over the place and say,
'You better drink the rest of that before you
spill it!!' Then carry you home
safely and put you to bed...

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will talk crap to the person who
talks crap about you.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will knock them the hell out for
using your name in vain.

CIVILIAN FRIENDS: Will ignore this.
POLICE FRIENDS: Will forward this.


Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.

[slugg]

Happy thanksgiving to everyone that celebrates the day
and remember what it standsfor in all its scope

[2 Blue 4 U]

Thanks, Thanks and more Thanks!

[gadget105]

Thanks to our RANTers from down under...always good to hear from you guys.

[Bugsey]

And from the great state of New Jersey(yeah right) I sincerly hope all my fellow RANTERS (gals too) spent this Thanksgiving warm, safe and well fed, with your loved ones......G-D BLESS US AND KEEP US SAFE.....

[evp5O]

I hope all is well with you NZMIKE and life is treating you well.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

E

[laurnsmom]

Belated Greetings due to the Staten Island pilgrimage...Hope you had a peaceful, bountiful day.