On Thursday, I came home from work around 4:30 p.m., I got some things done around the house, and about an hour later I noticed Charlie pull up on the driveway in his patrol car. He was in Orange City all afternoon as he had firearms training. I noticed he stayed sitting in his car for a bit after he pulled up and thought that seemed a little odd, but I didn't think much more of it. He eventually came in the house and we got ready to head to Rock Valley right away as we were going to go to an auction. As we headed out the door, Charlie shared with me that he just tried to call his Chief, Sergeant, and dispatch as he heard over his CB radio that there was a shooting that just took place near Hawarden and he was wondering if they needed backup. None of them picked up. So, he grabbed his work keys "in case" we needed to hurry back and we headed off to Rock Valley. We weren't even ten feet off the driveway and his work phone rang...we both knew what this was going to be about. It was his captain calling stating that the SRT (Special Response Team)/SWAT team he is on was being called out to an incident that was taking place near Hawarden. We quickly pulled back onto the driveway, Charlie hurried in the house and we both tried to grab his SRT uniform, gear and equipment. As he quickly tried to pull his uniform and all of his gear on, suddenly both his personal phone and work phone started to ring. First his SRT leader called to advise of the meeting location etc., then a fellow SRT member called to make sure he had received the word, and last Plymouth & Sioux County Dispatch called informing him of the details. I could tell this was something a little more than his normal day to day duties. Although Charlie was keeping his cool, I could tell his adrenaline was starting to kick in and that things were running through his head (as they were in mine). I don't know how he does that...keeps so calm and collected, but I guess that is why he does what he does (and is good at it) and I do not ;) I tried to keep my emotions under control, and to be honest I did well and kept it together as I was helping get him out the door. But as soon as his vehicle left the driveway I just could not keep my emotions in any longer. Tears just started to flow from my eyes as the fear of the unknown crept inside. I didn't know where to go or what to do. I was just antsy and nervous (especially since this with his first time being called out and I knew there was a shooter involved). The majority of my family was out of town, but I was just hoping that maybe my sister Kelsie would be home. So, I hopped in the Escape and headed over to my parents. I was so glad to see Kelsie's vehicle sitting on the drive way. I went inside and with tears in my eyes I explained to Kelsie what was going on. After a little "cool down" with Kelsie I headed back home. I spent the next two LONG hours aimlessly driving around town and sitting on the swing outside of our house just for something to do as I couldn't think about anything else but Charlie and wondering if he was ok. At about 8:30 p.m. or so I received a short text from Charlie stating, "All good, we're done." You have no clue how happy I was to receive that text. Now I could relax and take a chill pill. I could have sworn that I probably gave myself an ulcer that night from all that worrying. Anyways, it was probably another good half hour or so until he finally came back home as they had a quick debrief following the stand off, but I couldn't wait to see him pull up on the driveway again. It's crazy how moments like that make you really appreciate life and the ones that you love. There is one thing I will never forget though...in the rush of Charlie getting all ready and heading out the door, he still gave me a quick hug and said I love you before he took off.
God was definitely teaching me TRUST & PATIENCE that night, both of which I am not very good at, and that night I very much needed both.
Below is a link explaining the situation that took place that night if you are interested in reading a little more about it: http://www.siouxcountysheriff.com/11-7823.pdf
I hope this is a great reminder that we never know what situations we may come into contact with each day or what situations our loved ones may come into contact with. ALWAYS remember to tell them how much they mean to you and hug them often...trust me you will not regret it.
