As most of you know, there’s a lot going on right now in the world of law enforcement. Over the past few years especially, there has been a rise in violence on both police officers and civilians. Once this became prevalent, we have seen a rise of news media coverage that is especially bias against police. Let me tell you why I care.

I was born to two police officers, both of which would lay their lives down for the citizens they are choosing to protect daily. Neither of them have ever had any sort of confusion about which side they are on, or acted in any way to be anything other than highly respected. Both work in large cities and have to deal with things that us everyday people never have to think about. That drugged out girl that you saw under the bridge? You didn’t see the cop who stopped to hold her hand as he called EMTs to her location. Or the young officer who had to witness the man who took his weapon to his wife when he found out she was cheating. When I was younger, ordering pizza was interesting, because you never know who was delivering and whether or not they may have met your mom or dad under less friendly circumstances.

Why am I explaining this? Because I know that there are lots of other kids like me. Just like me, you’ve seen the news coverage of our blue family, and you’ve been torn in half. You want to protect and stand against the hordes that believe your parents are bad people, but you also see what some officers do with their badges, and understand the anger. You want to scream, “This isn’t OK! These people lay their lives down for you, leave their children for you, and would sacrifice anything for you!” But, you don’t. Like me, you understand that one of the best things you can do to protect your family is to remain silent. Sometimes, it’s best to let the media say what they want to say, because in the end, you know the truth.

My mom and dad are my heroes. I watch the news of riots, murders, robberies, and I wonder every day if they will come home safely. When they travel to funerals for fallen officers, I constantly cry and hope that no sick person will try and injure more officers on that day.

Police kids on our own are a family, and we have to stick together. Those of use who have met in the blue family know that I would stick my neck out for you, drive miles for you in the middle of the night, sit with you during a stressful night, anything to help us both not worry. That is the reality of having heroes for parents: You know that in the end, God may take them back, and that is the nature of their job.

For those of you reading this who know exactly what I am talking about, I am here for you. We can be strong together, and support the family we know well and love.