A Good Man

Working as a NY cop on three alternating shifts, his wife at home with five little kids, ranging in ages from 1 to 12, his police boat up and down on the swells, One week he'd have normal 8-4pm hours, that's when he'd be happier and less dour, following week his hours would be 4-12 midnight, missed his kids but especially his wife, But the midnight to 8am shift was the worst, the graveyard shift being hard on his nerves, being out in the winter time on the police boat, thank God he had on him a nice thick police coat, He worked hard on the marine bureau for 34 years, carpooling with the same partner who was always near, together they helped boaters who got stuck or sunk in the waves, both of them strong swimmers who looked out and saved, Finally retiring at the age of 55, he and his wife thought they'd finally arrived, moving down to Florida and taking it easy in Spring Hill, for 15 years they were both relaxed and thrilled, Then tragedy struck up in New York, he lost to suicide one grandson who was distraught, his wife desperately wanting to move back, before he knew it they sold their home and were packed, Not really wanting to move back he pleased his wife, he just went along because she was the love of his life, having diabetes he became more of a couch potato, while in Florida he seemed to be more of on the go, But he loved his family no matter what, he settled in despite the feelings in his gut, not caring for New York, the high prices or the weather, he just went along to be a good husband, Dad and fellow, Where he lived out his remaining 16 retired years, his health steadily declining with melanoma he had little fear, taking in stride what his doctors and hospice said, preferring to die at home in his portable hospital bed. 11-6-16