When I am out on my prayer walks I usually take on the persona of a hermit. I want to be alone with the Universe with no one around to disturb me and my thoughts, whether I am asking for my own guidance, praying for other people and that all beings feel safe and protected, processing things in my life I need to think about, or practicing my practice of the Power of Now. Occasionally though, someone comes along and I welcome them into my space.

This past Sunday, Officer Laura, a policewoman for Heritage Creek here in Louisville, rode into my space. She immediately grabbed my attention because she was not driving a police car, she was riding a bicycle with the word POLICE on the back of her jacket. The cyclist in me was immediately intrigued, and I just had to talk to her. She stopped on the farmer’s gravel driveway and we introduced ourselves. Of course, Reddogg was thrilled because he loves to meet a new friend. It turns out Laura has two female dogs, Cali and Sammi. She has a big smile on her face the whole time she talks about them.

I explained to Laura that I had never seen a police officer patrolling our area on a bicycle. She told me she has been riding her bike around her assigned areas for work for a few years and she loves to cycle. Her bike is an e-bike which is battery powered and assists her as she pedals down the road. I imagine this is a wonderful choice for her as she is not simply riding around the block!

I asked Officer Laura why she had chosen the career of a policewoman. She told me about thirty years ago, back in 1994, she had been a nail stylist and one day while conversing with co-workers it was suggested Laura might want to pursue a career change and become a police officer. They must have known her well because it wasn’t long she made a decision and enrolled in a ten week basic training course and never looked back. Thirty years ago there were few women choosing this type of career and I told Laura I was impressed with her accomplishments.

Her bicycle was amazing! It not only had police lights on it but a siren, too. She turned the siren on so I could hear it and also showed me the gun she carried in a holster on her belt. She has pulled drivers over to the side of the road while on her bicycle. I asked her if people gave her much trouble. Officer Laura is a small boned woman but I am sure can be rather intimidating when the situation requires it. She told me it seemed to be the women that gave her more trouble at times than the men. I was surprised by this which is what I get for putting men in a box with my thinking.

When Laura found out I was a retired nurse she thanked me for my service, and I took the opportunity to thank her back. She said she had assisted in many events with people in some sort of trouble and medical people helped save their lives. That got me to thinking how I had never really connected the dots before. Years ago as an intensive care nurse I had come in contact often with EMS workers. But now I was realizing police women and men are the ones who start that thread, that interwoven tapestry of service where so many of us try to save lives.

So I salute you, Officer Laura, and all your co-workers. Thank you for all you do. And thank you for taking the time to talk to me while you were on the job riding that marvelous bicycle complete with an authentic siren! You were one of the highlights of my day!

c   Love, Joan