Driving in
mid-Manhattan – destination, Park Avenue. Heading across 54th Street. Bumper to bumper traffic.
Now I’m stopped! 54th is blocked in front of the Police
Station.
Officer is taking his time, slowly
gets out of the police car – front seat, passenger’s door. Red lights still flashing. The casually emerging officer just
as casually puts on his hat, adjusts his belt.
Street still blocked. Why are they taking MY time? Red lights still flashing. Other Police Officers mill around
Station entrance, seemingly no interest in the signaling
police car.
I sit ... wait, puzzled, appearing patient. Not
Feeling Patient At All.
Ah hah! Mystery is solved.
A handcuffed man edges himself out
of the Cruiser’s right back door. The Officer calmly ushers him
into the Station.
The revolving red lights go
off. Traffic is permitted to move on its
way.
The city is safer.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
And, I'm thinking, "Patience is a Virtue", as offered by the old Chinese (or Irish) proverb. Driving my car to work in New York City, those many years ago, my patience was challenged more times than this experience I made note of twenty-three years ago.
Of course, realizing the officer was doing his dangerous job, apprehending a threat to life and security, I felt guilty. Perhaps it's the reason that memory from long ago was recalled and documented so many years later. I've always been grateful for those who put their lives in danger to better insure our well-being. May God bless all who are 'in front' taking care where it is needed.
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