Much like everyone, my life has been a rollercoaster of good, bad, pain, love, loss, birth, death, coping, and recovery. Recovery and preparation for what's coming next. Everything we survive prepares us for something else. Well, that's the idea, anyway. Once again, I don't believe my pain is special. Simply put, it's my pain. One … Continue reading Restarting The Journals
Category: My Journals
Re-posted From August, 2020. As a child, my mother [single parent] implied that all things were possible. Nothing was off the table, and from a young age, I endorsed the fantastic as validated reality. All of that changed during my twenties when I became a professional and started wearing a tie. Suddenly, I decided that … Continue reading Journals [Embracing The Universe Part II Speaking The Words]
Last week while on patrol, I rolled up on a small car parked on the shoulder. The hood was up, and the driver was walking around and talking on his cellphone. After a short conversation, I discovered the vehicle stalled out while driving, so he'd pulled over to the shoulder. Unfortunately, the man locked his … Continue reading Morning Sledgehammer Scare
I have so much to be thankful for; if I begin making a list, I'll be late for dinner. The shortlist: I thank God and my sobriety for everything. I hope and pray all of you to have a fantastic holiday. Thank you all for helping me read and write my way through the past … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving 2021
A few days ago, I heard someone from upstairs may be sick. This morning when I came up from the basement and found a resident in the kitchen, I knew immediately. What did I learn? Well, he was wearing a mask while he made himself a cup of coffee. Following a brief conversation [separated by … Continue reading Covid In The House [Once Again]
When I found a small pile of broken glass in the yard, I knew it was over. Joseph Shanklin October 3, 2021
Twelve months ago, I accepted employment as a Tow Truck Driver slash Safety Patrol Driver. My job is diverse, and I spend approximately half of my time working as a First Responder. I enjoy helping people, so the opportunity to work side by side with The State Patrol, Local Law Enforcement, Fire Department, and Emergency … Continue reading Seeing It All At Work
Law Enforcement on the Reservation is complicated, and there is no shortage of it. I grew up in a County Seat, so my hometown had an extra share. We had City Police, County Sheriff's Office, State Police, Tribal Police, and because the city was on Tribal Land, the Feds had several offices. All American Indian … Continue reading Growing Up On The Reservation [Law Enforcement]
My job is highly unpredictable. Disabled Vehicles, Medical Emergencies, and Rollover Crashes are a few of the possibilities I may deal with when I clock in each morning. My day can go from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye. Yesterday morning, not more than 30 minutes after beginning patrol, I rolled up … Continue reading Getting There First
Years ago, when my daughter was very young, I told my Baby Girl the Tale of The Christmas Bunny. Years later, when my Son was born, the story was passed on to Joseph Jr. as well. Keep in mind, not every child, nor every parent, has knowledge of The Christmas Bunny. My kids do. Throughout … Continue reading Legend of The Christmas Bunny [Part I]
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