Page 87 of All Your Firsts Without Me

I’m writing this because I think it’s really cool you are doing this for Officer Langston. I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for him. Sixteen years ago, my mom went into labor early. I was a preemie. But anyhow, she tried to drive herself to the hospital but had to pull over because I was coming.

He pulled up behind her to find out why she was stopped on the edge of a busy highway. When he saw what was happening, he helped her and poof… here I am!

I wasn’t breathing when I came out. My mom said she wouldn’t have known what to do and she believes if it weren’t for him giving me CPR I would have died.

I think it’s sad that officers don’t get the credit they deserve. People think all they do is arrest the bad guys and harass speeders, but it’s not true. They do so much more.

Anyhow, I hope you read this,

A Teenager Happy to be Alive

We all stand there looking at each other. Westin grabs one, taking his turn at reading aloud.

Dear April,

Today my wife and I welcomed our first child into the world. Without Officer Langston’s courageous act thirteen years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible. You see, my wife had been seconds away from being shot by the Greenfield Mall shooter when David caused a distraction and took him down.

Please accept this donation to your foundation. I don’t know how else to thank a man whose given me so much. Without him, I may have never gotten to call myself a husband or a father. My wife is my best friend, the love of my life. I’m so thankful he was there that day.

Forever grateful,

Jonathan McNeil

Kaden wipes his eyes. “This is… Jesus, how many do you think there are?”

“Enough to last a lifetime,” April says with tears streaming down her face.

As soon as we get back inside, Kat runs to my wife. “You okay, mommy?”

“I’m okay, baby.” April wraps her arms around her. “Why don’t we order some pizza, and all go out and watch the sun set since it’s Uncle Kade’s last night visiting.”

An hour later, we are all sitting on the beach. Kat is perched on Kaden’s lap, leaning against his chest, happily eating her pizza. The boys are digging in the sand, bringing April and I little shells they find.

April rolls one of them in her palm. Her eyes lift to the sun as it hovers over the horizon and I know she is thinking about him. She slides over to me and lays her head on my shoulder. She places the little shell in my hand, closing my fist around it. “I love you,” she whispers for my ears only.

“I love you too.” I kiss her temple and we both close our eyes.

“Look mama, look daddy. It’s a butterfly!” Kat stands up, twirling around in a circle. She laughs as the insect flies around her head, making her squeal in delight. She reminds me so much of her mother, their light shines bright.