On His Way!

Eric finally graduated from the police academy on Thursday. As you can see, he was pretty stoked! No more brutal workouts of carrying other officers up a steep hill or 1000000000000000 push ups, no more being thrown to the ground and having his wrists twisted in ways they shouldn't be in defensive tactics, no more sore muscles every day... But, reality does start now.
The academy did an orientation for the spouses of the graduating police officers. It was a lot of what to expect from their attitude changes, how to deal with certain situations, etc. I was surprised to hear other wives say different ways that their husbands have changed. I couldn't think of ANY negative changes in my husband. Other wives were saying that their husbands had lost their sense of humor, or that they had become very authoritative. I was happy to think that my husband has had more energy, he's been happier, he's more excited about life....the list goes on... I guess I have a great husband and this is what he should be doing. While they were talking about all of the scariness of being a police officer's wife, I felt very calm and confident. I can handle this. We can handle this.

The graduating class

Eric and his mother

Me, Hayden, Eric, my mom, Roy, and Maya

One thing that was very neat about the ceremony was that the Dad's of many of the cadets were also in law enforcement and were able to present their sons with their diplomas. Hayden always talks about how he's going to be a police officer with his Dad. They're going to be partners. While that doesn't sit well with me (Judy, I can imagine how you feel having your son do this) I am so glad that Hayden has such a great role model to look up to.
Eric with his future partner in crime!

Trying out his "don't mess with me!" face... needs some work, I think. :)

It has taken me awhile to process the feelings that I felt during the graduation. I guess what I am feeling most is pride. I'm proud that my husband wants to make a difference. He talks about that all of the time. He doesn't want to be a stereo-typical police officer. He wants to be better. I am proud that he has followed his heart and instincts to do what he's always wanted to do, and that he made sure that I was completely on board with it before he went ahead and did it. I am proud that he has worked so hard. It's an overwhelming feeling to me right now. There are a lot of things that I am sure I am not prepared for dealing with in his line of work. I just know that this is what he is supposed to do right now.

Eric, I really am so proud of you. You are really amazing and I could never go through what you have gone through in the academy. I am so proud to be married to you, Officer Salway.