Sgt. Simpson's Funeral

One of my first posts here was that on another Police Officer's funeral. I never knew that so soon, I would be writing another post listening to another funeral.

I've kept the blog quiet out of respect, just wanted my home page to be about an extraordinary man. I have no words that haven't been said already, no words to express my condoloences, no words to sum up a life that is over way too soon.

I have always loved this poem and wanted to share it.

The Final Inspection

Author: Author Unknown

The policeman stood and faced his God,

which must always come to pass.

He hopes his shoes were shining just as brightly as his brass.

Step forward now, policeman.

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,

"No Lord I guess I ain't.

Because those who carry badges

can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

and at times my talk was rough...

And sometimes I've been violent

because the streets are awful tough.

But I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked alot of overtime when the bills just got too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,though at times I shook with fear.

And sometimes, God forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.

They never wanted me around

except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,Lord,

it needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

but if you don't... i understand.

"There was silence all around the throne

where the saints had often trod,

as the policeman waited quietly

for he judgement of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman.

You've borne your burdens well.

Come walk a beat on heaven's streets.

You've done your time in hell."

We lost a friend & Philly lost Another Officer. Sgt. Tim Simpson

PHOTOS FROM PHILLY.COM CLICK HERE

Last night, Philadelphia lost another member in the line of Duty. Sgt. Tim Simpson was killed in a car crash, when he was hit by a driver allegedly high on heroin while responding to an armed robbery call. He was well known to my parents. He was my moms boss for years and my dad worked with him. I just got off the phone with my mom she is so devastated. He was so funny and loved his kids so much. He was so good to my mom especially when she took family leave to care for me during my cancer surgeries and treatment. It always was do what you need to do. He helped to make my life easier. He helped out the fundraisers they held for my benefit.

From 6abc

Simpson worked in the 24th district, and was partnered with Sgt. Steve Liczbinski the day he was murdered. Liczbinski was shot and killed after a bank robbery back in May, 2008.
Sgt. Simpson spoke with Action News earlier this year about the arrest of Eric Floyd, who was wanted in the death of Sgt. Liczbinski. At the time, Simpson explained that when Floyd was arrested he was handcuffed with Liczbinski's handcuffs. Simpson went on to say that Floyd was told to whom the handcuffs belonged, and why they were being used.
After his death Simpson was named supervisor of Liczbinski's unit. Captain Kevin Hodges of the 24th Police District told reporters, "I had to make the tough decision of who was going to go in Steve's position in 2 Squad. I chose Timmy Simpson because he was a strong leader, a great cop, and an excellent supervisor."
Sgt. Simpson celebrated 20 years on the force just last Friday. And only hours before he died he received an award for outstanding service.

According to Police Commissioner Ramsey in a news conference today, Sgt. Simpson actually took over the squad after Sgt. Liczbinski was killed in the line of duty. Sgt. Simpson was honored as supervisor of the month the same day he was killed.

In all my years, I don't remember a worse time for the Philadelphia Police. This is the 3rd officer killed in as many months. Seven in 2and 1/2 years.

My dad served the bulk of his police career in the 24th. It was a tough district even back then. But cops are a family and they get through the hard work with the support of each other. As family members we got through the hard days with the support of other families. It just stays with you. Even now that I am in another state and my dad has been retired 3 years, I am still shook up by this news. Its like getting notice that a family member has died. To my family, he was always smiling, a proud dad, a good guy and a cop's cop.

Take a moment to pray for and thank those that serve and protect you.

Organic Turkey

As you know from my blog. We try to eat organic as much as possible. I admit with the economy the way it is and the fact that we have our meet expressed shipped, its been a struggle to get more organic meat ordered. We are just about done what is in our freezer. I love knowing where and how my meat was raised. We do make sacrifices in other areas of our budget to get our meat organic.

Serious Eats is giving away an Organic D'Artagnan turkey a day until 11/23. Be sure to check it out. They have some great recipes there too. I am looking forward to trying the ham in coca cola.

Good Luck.

A big Thank YOU

I won a Veggie tales The Pirates who do Nothing DVD from Kim @Beanish and Other Languages I'm Learning. She is so amazing. I love her blog and am blessed to have won this DVD as a present for my son.

Please check out my sidebar for other great giveaways hosted by Blog owners.

Wow

OK so you take a few days off to tend to family business and wow what a different world it is.

The Phillies win the world series and have a parade.

I voted for the very first time.

We have elected our first African American President. No more ads!!!!

The economy is in further decline, our city and county are facing huge deficits.

I am going to be an Aunt again.

My son swam underwater for the first time.

Soccer season is finally over.

I won another contest.

Wow, I am not sure which of these is most topic worthy. My 8 year old had his friends over on Thursday. They were discussing politics and how excited they were that "their" Candidate had won. Shay tells his friend, well John McCain was going to cost us money and he was going to take our health insurance. Obama I am not sure about but he will only cost me $125. So even our youth pay attention to all the political ads. I mean how could they not, they were everywhere. It was refreshing to see them so civic minded. Heck, its the reason I voted. Pressure from my son.

Voting was so much easier than I expected, no lines. Wasn't nearly as claustrophobic at it was 18 years ago, when I first tried it and could handle being in the metal voting booth. Hubby and I actually got coffee and went to the beach watched the coastal storm rolling in to town after we voted.

We are so blessed to have the world's largest sand box in our backyard and the ocean at our feet. As we sat there watching the storm approach, we talked about all the good in our area. Now is the the time when our way of life is threatened by ocean drilling and a sinking economy. So many business have closed, Casinos are laying off their workers, people are losing their homes here. Seems every time we think it can't get worse it does. We are lucky we are getting by but that is only through a lot of penny pinching.

I am thinking November's blog might be focusing a lot what we are Thankful for and money saving tips. Any ideas feel free to leave me a comment.