They take ... it in stride when someone calls them a pig.


They take ... their lousy pay check realizing they will never be rich.


They take ... a second job sometimes to make ends meet and support their family.


They take ... time to stop and talk to children.


They take ... your verbal abuse while giving you a ticket you really deserved.


They take ... on creeps you would be afraid to even look at.


They take ... time away from their family to keep you safe.


They take ... your injured child to the hospital.


They take ... the graveyard shift without complaint because it is their turn.


They take ... their life into their hands daily.


They take ... you home when your car breaks down.


They take ... time to explain why both your headlights have to work.


They take ... the job no one else wants -- telling you a loved one has died.


They take ... criminals to jail.


They take ... in sights that would make you cry. Sometimes they cry too, but take it because someone has to.


They take ... memories to bed each night that you couldn't bear for even one day.


They take ... time to explain to their family why they can't make the ball game their child is in and why they have to work on the holiday when other parents are off.


Sometimes ... they take a bullet.


And yes, occasionally ... they may take a free cup of coffee.


If they are lucky ... they take retirement.


Then one day they pay for all they have taken ... and hopefully... God takes them.


Written by Texas Police Officer Kendricks as a tribute to his late brother, Police Officer Rodney Kendricks who died from injuries suffered in an on-duty auto accident in Lubbock, Texas-July 2001.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Have you thanked a cop lately? Try it. When you see a cop in the supermarket, standing in line in a cafeteria, shopping at Walmart, or anywhere else,Tell them Thank You....it will make the cop's day, it will certainly be a blessing to you also.