by Kris Hauser
I can imagine the many “stories” a law-enforcement official hears when pulling someone over for a traffic offense. Let’s face it; none of us want a traffic ticket. However, every now and then there is a story that touches an officer and the person they stopped.
It was early December when Corporal Keith Barrow of the Apex, N.C., Police Department was placed in the path of a woman during a traffic stop who was having a difficult day. Corporal Barrow wrote her a warning, and during the exchange he noticed she was quite distressed. It was then he found out that this day was her late son’s 16th birthday. He took the time to talk to her, and after making sure she was calm enough to drive she left. This is not where the story of his compassion ends.
It was after Christmas when the police chief received an email from the woman’s husband. Apparently, Corporal Barrow was touched by this woman’s story.
Here is part of the husband’s email: “On Christmas Eve she received a beautiful Poinsettia and his card at our home wishing her comfort during the holiday season. Your officer had gone way out of his way to take the time to give a simple gift of kindness on Christmas. He was intentional in his action to show her some kindness and concern over the holidays during a difficult time. You see it has turned out to be one of the greatest feelings to know that not only do you and your officers protect day to day, but they really care about the people they serve.”
The police chief said that he is extremely proud of Corporal Barrow and his servant heart to show the humanity behind the badge.
In this case getting pulled over seems to have been exactly what this mother needed at that very moment.
The story above hits somewhat close to home. It was almost 15 years ago now, but I remember a time when I, too, was pulled over on a very difficult day.
I was stopped in a lane designated for either going straight or turning to the right — or so I thought. As I pulled away I saw the dreaded police lights. I was already upset and this certainly didn’t help. The officer approached and asked if I knew why I was being pulled over. I didn’t have a clue! He then told me I was in a lane that was right turn only. I apologized and told him I honestly thought I could go straight and that I didn’t realize it had changed. In my mind I was wishing he would just write the ticket and let me go on my way.
I was pleasantly surprised when he came back and handed me a warning. I thanked him and I drove to my destination. This incident was pulling at me for some reason. I was certain they hadn’t changed the lane direction; however, I didn’t bother to check for myself. I had to get to the Mall. You see, I wasn’t going to the Mall for fun. I was going to pick out clothes to wear for my Mother’s funeral. She had passed the day before.
It wasn’t long after I returned home that I received “the call.” On the other end of the line was the officer who had pulled me over earlier. He had called to apologize. It turns out I was right about the lane designation. He wanted me to know that. He certainly did not have to take time out of his day to tell me he was wrong. He had no idea about my Mother’s passing. I did not share that with him. I didn’t want him to think I was telling one of those “stories” to get out of a ticket.
That small act of kindness affected me in such a positive way that I think of it often. I do not remember his name, for that I am sorry. That day for the most part was a blur as were the days to follow, but his benevolence and humbleness will never be forgotten.
Thank you to all who serve and protect. Your willingness to sacrifice your life for others is in itself admirable. Adding that little “extra” helps us recognize the humanity that most people don’t appreciate when they see a uniform or a badge. Many lives have been touched through these kindnesses.