Sunday, December 24, 2006

Merry Christmas

I could not top this Christmas story from so long ago when I was a young cop. I am republishing this because it’s really special to me and I hope everyone else that reads it.

I remember working every Christmas of my life when I was a cop. I never really minded that because it was always an easy day.

One such Christmas, We received a disturbance call and responded to a rat hole apartment building on Chicago's Roosevelt Road. We came in expecting trouble but found no disturbance. The problem was that the mom and dad of the house could not operate their brand new Polaroid camera.

The apartment was modest, but clean and tidy with fresh cake and cookies on the table. Our mom and dad were both unable to read the camera instruction book. There were five kids with their presents that needed to get their pictures taken next to their Christmas tree. That was a quick fix. Before we left we took pictures of the whole family all smiling and happy.

One thing more, there was a cross and the wall with a picture of Jesus Christ. In the middle of poverty there were some lucky children being raised by two parents that had some dignity and pride. That made my Christmas a little more enjoyable.

Crime, Guns and Video Tape wishes all our visitors a wonderful Holiday Season!

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Paul,

I too worked every Christmas during my career as an Illinois State Trooper. It always was unusually quiet but we used to have a heck of a time finding a place to get a cup of coffee, especially on the midnight shift. I enjoyed this latest story.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas.

Peace

Anonymous said...

Hope you have a great Christmas too Paul


-Rich

Anonymous said...

Paul,
Very nice story, touching....I believe it shows the oldtime dignity you exemplified as a Chicago police officer. God Bless and a happy retirement and a Blessed 2007.