I am the daughter of a police officer. It used to be much easier than it is now. I remember my dad working holidays. I remember him going to work regardless of the weather. I remember him coming home late and leaving early. I remember him attending all of the school events he could even though he was tired. I remember being occasionally scared as he went to work late nights in rough circumstances. But yet all of that seems minor now. Why? Now I have greater things to fear.

Now, I am the daughter of a police officer that fears my dad won’t come home. I am a daughter of a police officer who see’s the look on his face when he turns on the news and hears about more police officer killings. I am the daughter of a police officer that knows her dad goes above and beyond for his community. I am the daughter of a police officer that serves his community every day, regardless of the negativity surrounding his job. I am the daughter of a police officer that almost never hears a “thank you.” I am the daughter of a police officer who lives in fear for her father. I live with the fear of him being harmed when all he is doing is helping others. Does that make any sense?

The day and age we live in now is sad. Protests against the men and women in blue who protect our lives daily. I have been raised to understand that there are bad police officers. There are bad police officers that do bad things, but that isn’t my dad. It’s also not any of the police officers I know. I have been raised to understand there is bad in every job. However, every police officer is not bad. In fact, most of them will help you when your car breaks down in the middle of the night or when you have no one else to turn to.

I see the joy on my father's face when he has success in his job and has the opportunity to help someone. I see how much he cares about the people he protects. I see him come home, clean the house and cook dinner just like an ordinary person would. Except, this ordinary person will be out on the streets protecting people like you tomorrow.

Yes, I am the daughter of a police officer. I get the behind-the-scenes look and somewhat understand the hurt police officers around the country are going through.

So, thank a police officer for protecting your life when you sleep. Thank a police officer for being hurt inside, but continuing to do his job. Thank a police officer for never showing how unwanted they feel in this country and not giving up. Thank a police officer for working the holidays that are meant to be spent with family. Thank a police officer for having your back when you don’t even know you’re in danger. But most importantly, just simply thank a police officer.