My dad's retirement

So Friday night was my Dad's retirement party. Yes.. he is only 46 and now retired! I thought only OLD people retired! He just retired as the Cheif Deputy for Sevier County. His party was way cool. I have some pictures I'll post later on. My Sister Kadie, my bro Jason and I read this poem that we put together (Thanks Ann!!!) I found a great poem on the internet.. and we just kind of made it our own.. it worked perfect! This is just for journaling sake.. you don't have to read.. unless you want to.
Captain Torgerson’s Journey

At twenty-five his journey began, down the road he chose.
To be a protector of the rights, though, danger it would pose.
“Just a kid,” some would say, wearing that badge and gun.
He took an oath to uphold the law, until the job was done.
His Mom and Dad were very proud. Their praise would never stop.
The little blonde haired boy they raised, chose to become a cop.
He looked to his dad, Chief Torgerson, to him he was an example. Gentle and kind, but tough as nails. His courage more than ample.
He knew all along, how hard it would be, and what the job would entail,
The senseless crimes that man commits, that sends them straight to jail.
Robbery, rape and suicide, those victims haunt him still,
He became a part of each of them, their pain, he seemed to feel.
For many years he walked the beat, serving day and night,
With more tragedy than most would see, In their entire life.
We remember the calls that came late at night. He went without a pause. Mom lied alone, and tried to sleep. He served without applause.
He was not to fear as others did, when facing certain danger.
He became accustomed to tragedy, and suspected every stranger.
He was taught to be the strong one, he could not weep when others cried, He must be strong to do the job, the emotion he must hide.
Don't back down. Never give up. Don't let them see you sweat.
When finished with the crime scene, the victims’ face, forget.
He’s haunted by the memories, children, women and men.
He see’s them in his dreams at night, and re-lives those days again.
No one knows the pain inside. He’s learned to hide it well,
Faceless victims of a thousand crimes. Each tells an eerie tale.

The best men he knows, he sees each day. To him they are his brothers. He lives for them. They’d die for him. They serve with one another.
When danger is near, they band together, each one their role to fill. Courageous ones who have gone before are watching over still.
A legacy is what he’s made. He’s honored our family name. This blonde haired boy fulfilled his dream. He’ll never be the same.
His badge is no longer on his chest, its hanging on the wall. Reminding us of his sacrifice, that badge, it says it all.
In his eyes remains a glow. He’ll never fully retire. He might not come when the call comes out, but never will he tire…
Of hearing the stories, the busts and the raids, so please don’t be a stranger. He’ll be right there to coach you on, but a little further from danger.
You know he’s there. He’s got your back. Behind you all the way. He just won’t be there, standing near, as you go about your day.
Make sure you stop by… if just to say hey… but PLEASE call before you do…. He’ll probably be eating bon-bon’s in his underware, ... and the joke will be on you.
Now dad, as your kids we are proud of what you have done, But please, for our sake, our last request is priority number one!
Please slip the next guy in line a twenty, and a little note for all to peek that when your kids are driving to fast, they MUST turn the other cheek!