Yesterdays blog kind of took off. I'm praying that everyone read it prayed for the injured officer or just had thoughts of healing for him and his family. I hope you join me in continuing those prayers and well wishes. I got an outpouring of love and support and many people shared my post. The community showed how much love and respect for public servants in troubled times. Let me assure you that we appreciate all the love.
I got a much needed night of rest. As soon as I got up I made sure my family plans were set, then I went to the hospital. I saw a post that the officer needed another surgery and a strict visitor policy was in place. I had no plans on actually getting to see the officer, but I had to be there in support of him and his family. I was not surprised to see many of his family, and 2 police officers all hanging out in the waiting area. Dayton PD has made sure we post an on duty officer there. The other officer was off duty and was a classmate of the injured officer. I shook the injured officers fathers hand and sat in between the 2 cops. I briefly spoke to the injured officers wife who is doing an incredible job of being strong. I stayed for a little over an hour talking with everyone there. We were told the surgery was done for today and he was back in his room. His parents were back with him. His father came out and said the officer was asking to see me. I almost got nervous. I walked back to his room.
I looked in and he said, "Hey Matt." He was quiet but alert. I smiled and said, "Hey, how's my brother?" He closed his eyes and then looked at me. "How's your girls?" This is the type of guy he his. Hit by a car, horrible injuries, just got out of surgery...and he wants to know how my kids are. I assured him they were great. He closed his eyes. I held his hand. He gripped my hand with both of his and took a deep breath. He told me the last thing he remembers was being with a specific officer, then talking with another officer he didn't know then going to the highway. The rest is blank. He has no recollection of the crash. I believe this is his brain protecting the body from further stress. Not reliving the stress that put him in this situation. I was able to give him the name of the last officer he spoke with. I then told him the entire police department was behind him and that whatever he needed, he would get. I told him of the love and support for him that I had received. His medicine was starting to kick in. His eyes were closing. He needed rest. He said, "Alright Matt, Thanks." I hugged his mom on my way out. She said he wanted to see the other officer and I sent the off duty officer back. I stayed a few more minutes and asked if anyone needed anything.
Throughout today, many people reached out. Officers, family, community members. I want to ask 2 things.
1. Please continue those prayers and well wishes for the officer and his family. I believe they are working.
2. If you are driving and see lights ahead, SLOW DOWN. Let me be clear that I am not saying this incident was caused by speed, maybe it was a factor, maybe not, ICE was definently a factor. But every incident can be helped if we all take away the thought ," I need to SLOW DOWN". Trust and believe as a full time working father, husband, and athlete...I'm busy and time management is crucial. I sometimes get in a hurry. I saw the Highway Patrol on the highway tonight and couldn't help but think "I hope those guys are safe tonight."
Last thought for tonight. Physical fitness. As I said yesterday, the injured officer loved weight lifting and was active in athletics. I strongly believe his fitness has helped him survive and will help his recovery. If you aren't taking care of yourself, start now. Walk a little, lift a little, do something. Strengthen your heart, strengthen your body. If the time comes that something bad happens, be in good shape to fight it.
I will update this again tomorrow or Tuesday as I go back to my shift tomorrow. I pray my brothers and sisters are safe. I pray the injured officer is able to rest and gets through tomorrows surgery with no complications. Thanks again for the love, Matt
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