There seemed to be no words last night...but since then I've been reaching; searching; trying to find something to write that may comfort or inspire.... maybe in some way, honor a hero and a life taken far too soon. People who rush to help others should not have their lives ended like this; the families of those who serve and protect shouldn't have to go through this hell.
This morning as I stood outside, watching the peaceful glow of a super moon cover the ground in a soft, comforting light, I realized today is the first day Keith Heacook is not part of our world. He was given a passport to the heavens yesterday, April 28th, and left this earth as a hero, beloved husband; father; friend. No longer can we point to the big cities and crowded urban areas and say "but that's not here, where we live", because the sickness of the world we belong to has finally come to us; to southern Delaware, the eastern shore of Maryland, and to a little town called Delmar. We can't know how many hearts broke with yesterday's news, or how many family members, department brothers and sisters, and friends are hurting today, but we can feel the grief of our entire community, forever scarred by this tragedy.
Today, April 29th, I ask you to reach deep into your heart and find empathy to share, kindness to pass on, and thoughtfulness to distribute to others. Even if you don't know the family or if you live miles away from Sussex County, Delaware, reach out where you are, to someone in law enforcement, a LEO spouse or department, and spread comfort. Let us channel the sadness which has swept over us since Sunday morning into compassion; let us choose to turn grief into caring for those who are struggling or hurting, because we are all each other's keeper.
We cannot help restore the lives of this family right now, or ease the pain of their loss, but in the days and weeks to come there will be opportunities to stand together and lift them up as we remember an individual who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we go forward today, I believe a piece of each of our hearts is with the Heacook family as they navigate through this terrible time. We bow our heads and pray they will feel the love and support from all who grieve with them.
This morning as I stood outside, watching the peaceful glow of a super moon cover the ground in a soft, comforting light, I realized today is the first day Keith Heacook is not part of our world. He was given a passport to the heavens yesterday, April 28th, and left this earth as a hero, beloved husband; father; friend. No longer can we point to the big cities and crowded urban areas and say "but that's not here, where we live", because the sickness of the world we belong to has finally come to us; to southern Delaware, the eastern shore of Maryland, and to a little town called Delmar. We can't know how many hearts broke with yesterday's news, or how many family members, department brothers and sisters, and friends are hurting today, but we can feel the grief of our entire community, forever scarred by this tragedy.
Today, April 29th, I ask you to reach deep into your heart and find empathy to share, kindness to pass on, and thoughtfulness to distribute to others. Even if you don't know the family or if you live miles away from Sussex County, Delaware, reach out where you are, to someone in law enforcement, a LEO spouse or department, and spread comfort. Let us channel the sadness which has swept over us since Sunday morning into compassion; let us choose to turn grief into caring for those who are struggling or hurting, because we are all each other's keeper.
We cannot help restore the lives of this family right now, or ease the pain of their loss, but in the days and weeks to come there will be opportunities to stand together and lift them up as we remember an individual who made the ultimate sacrifice. As we go forward today, I believe a piece of each of our hearts is with the Heacook family as they navigate through this terrible time. We bow our heads and pray they will feel the love and support from all who grieve with them.
Established in support of law enforcement located on the fourteen counties of Delmarva (DE & the eastern shore areas of MD & VA); advocating respect for all who serve and protect. #delmarvablue
