Dear Elizabeth Snyder,
First of all, know that I, along with the rest of America am praying for you and your son. I cannot imagine all the pain and loss that you are experiencing. You are now a single parent to a two year old son, actively fighting to keep your husband’s legacy alive in an often unappreciative society.
I want to tell you a little bit about who I am. I am an everyday Jane who would like to express my gratitude. I am not a cop. I do not work for any police department. However, I am a citizen of the United States of America. More importantly, I am a proud supporter of law enforcement.
As a friend of many law enforcement officers, my heart is truly invested in supporting them and their families. This choice of careers is the ultimate commitment to public service. I am so grateful for individuals like your husband. I am also truly inspired by the grace and dignity that you have demonstrated while being forced to deal with your grief so publicly.
Part of why I wanted to write this to you, is because I wanted to remind you that you are a beautiful individual. This is something that I have noticed after watching multiple interviews online. Your beauty doesn’t just stop with your appearance. Your beauty radiates from within you. You are a godly woman, a loving mother, and a grieving wife. I know that whatever words I write, and whatever people tell you, that they are still just words. Nobody can bring him back, no matter how much we desperately wish we could for you and sweet Malachi. As hard as this is for you right now and even though there will always be a gap in your heart that only he can truly fill, I know for a fact that Officer Snyder’s memory will be kept alive by those of us that truly appreciate and respect his service to his community.
When you speak of your husband, there is so much honor and respect in your voice. Pride billows from you, as it should. Officer Blake Snyder was an outstanding individual, and did his very best to protect what meant the most to him: you and your precious son.
Please remember you are not alone. You have major supporters all over the country who are constantly praying for you and Malachi. I know that officers and their families across the U.S. will always have your six no matter where life takes you now. I strongly believe that with the support of the St. Louis County Police Department and guidance from his loving mother, that Malachi will be richly blessed with the memories of his father.
In a world that often seems completely upside down, I want you to know that there are many good people crying with you. People who still believe in good over evil, and right over wrong. People who thank God daily for men and women like your husband who continue to stand behind, with, and in many cases, instead of us. We care about you. We care about you and your family. Now it’s our turn to take care of Officer Snyder’s unfinished business by making sure that you and your son are blessed with beautiful memories of his life and a job well done.
May God wrap his arms around you and give your comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding.
Officer Blake Snyder will never be forgotten, for paying the ultimate sacrifice in protecting those that he loved.
Rest In Peace Officer Blake Snyder. “We’ll take it from here.”
May America Forever Back the Blue.
God Bless,
An Everyday Jane