I took a couple days from work, in order to help with arrangements and deal with Tim's family.  I had been a big part of taking care of their father, it was only right for me to be there. On the day of the funeral,  I was told by the Assistant Chief of Police that all the escorts were there and ready.  I looked around the parking lot and for the first time noticed the half dozen police cars and motorcycles, and two state troopers that had grown up with the family.  He told me that I didn't need to worry abut a thing, and if I needed anything just to let him know.  I gave him a hug and told him thank you that I knew that Papa would have appreciated all the fuss.

After the service at the funeral home we headed to the National cemetery, at the Veterans Hospital that I worked at.  Several of the officers came by and gave their condolences.  This kind of surprised me, I was a ex daughter in law. These should have been going to his children.  I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to only find those beautiful blue eyes.  He handed me two roses, and whispered, one for you and one for your father in law.  A simple kiss on the cheek, wiped a tear from my cheek and walked away. I stood there in shock.  Bobby at this point was nagging at me to know who that was and who all the other cops were that had talked tome that day.  I explained to him that they were there to pay their respects to his grandfather.  Bobby said, yeah right. You got new friends don't you?  I turned and looked at him, and replied, Yes I think I do have some new friends. And I left it at that.

After the services were over, I sent Bobby to spend some time with Tim and his family. And that I would pick him up tomorrow after work.  I spent the rest of the afternoon, down by the water of the bay that the Veterans Center was on.  I sat in the quiet and watched the water and listened to the birds.  When I was all cried out, I drove myself home.

As I was waiting for a light to change I saw a car pull up beside me.  I looked over to see an officer wave at me, I waved back. And thought well who was that.  For days every police car I passed, someone would wave, short flip of the lights or a quick beep of the siren.  It was really strange.  It was like all of a sudden I was center of attention of the police department.  But the best part of it, was the fact that it made Bobby nervous. It kept him in line for a couple weeks. For the first time in years.

Later that week I received a phone call at work.  When I answered all I heard was "You sure do look pretty today" "Would you join me for a smoke outside?" I said yes, not real sure who I was talking to.  Really kind of stupid when I think back on it.  There were always times when you caught the eye of a patient that wasn't mentally stable.  So I told the pharmacist that if I wasn't back in ten minutes to come and look for me.  And I went outside.  The minute I stepped outside I saw a police truck parked by the curb.  And the man with the beautiful blue eyes watching as I came down the stairs.  We went and sat under the oak trees at a table.  Chatted about general stuff.  Then he asked if he could take me to dinner on Saturday night.  I told him that wasn't a good idea since I had my son that weekend.  He told me that wasn't a problem that the boy could come along.  I'm thinking that this man doesn't realize what he is getting himself into here.  So I said okay but if it was a disaster he could cinsider himself warned.  He said he knew about some of the trouble I had with my son.  I said okay, but you are asking for it.