Personal Narrative: Fighting At Home

Fighting at Home
My friend Cacho-Negrete, my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one and friend. Responding to your request “Tell me something good about America”, I would have to say our law enforcement officers that risk their lives daily to protect our homeland. My father being a Louisiana State Trooper, I too have shared the same fears as you. It brings a shivering cold sweat when thinking of someone dear to your heart not returning home.
In the summer of 2005 Louisiana’s coastline was struck by one of the strongest hurricanes that has ever been, Katrina. A week before the storm was predicted to hit we were having supper together as a family when my dad’s phone rang. I distinctly remember him bowing his head, taking in a deep

breath saying “okay, okay..See you then.” I knew he had to go, and I knew where he was going. Leaving 2 days later my dad was on the road leading a team from Troop E of Alexandria into the worst storm New Orleans, Louisiana had ever seen. I was only 8 at the time and my mom and I were alone for almost 3 months. He was sent to “protect and guard” the city while people were homeless, helpless, and desperate. He called us before the “eye” of the storm had reached New Orleans to tell us he was okay and seeking shelter in a safe place. The call was full of static, but it was all my mom and I could hold onto. People were screaming in the background and we could barely make out his words. We understood “It’s here, I’m safe though, see you soon, I love you.” After his last words all cell phones in the area went dead, but a peace came over my mom and I. We knew he was okay. I have never been more scared than I was those few weeks. My dad was sent into a disaster as the “silver lining” some people called them to protect those who were helpless and could not fend for themselves from criminals. I love my dad, as I know you loved your brother, and the thought of him not coming home was terrifying. War isn’t always abroad, Police officers fight a war every day. In 2015 alone 18 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty. I understand your bitterness, no one deserves to lose their life to a war, at home or abroad. Although, I am more than thankful for people like your brother and my dad willing to defend our country in other deadly war zones, and in our own homeland. Because of your brother’s bravery the freedoms of America still stand today. I cannot tell you one good thing about your brother losing his life at war, but I can tell you one good thing about our country, we have men and women such as our loved ones willing to risk their lives daily to defend our country to the best of their abilities to uphold the freedoms of America.