I love this picture -- a Norman Rockwell print titled "New Year's Eve" from January 1, 1944 -- of a young lady who, at the stroke of midnight, has fallen asleep after rereading love letters from her overseas soldier-boyfriend.
As I write my last post for 2012, I am truly humbled to still have the AHOP light in the window -- a 'safe place' for these officers to come for a meal, a root beer float, or a cup of hot coffee on a cold night. It makes me so happy that they still enjoy their visits. I have had so much fun this year flipping pancakes, making cream puffs and conjuring up a pretty darn good meatloaf. Your support has also been very humbling -- thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This month also marks AHOP's 3rd Anniversary! I hosted my first dinner on December 23, 2009. I was so afraid no one would come to my first dinner, and as many officers as I knew at the time, oddly enough, four officers I (didn't) know knocked on my door. I love to see new officers sit at my table who have been 'afraid' to come. Some officers who don't know me feel really funny about coming the first time. I always look at them as being fearless and afraid of nothing -- least of all coming to AHOP. But it only takes coming once, and they come back -- just ask Officer H.
Wherever you live, I encourage you to reach out to your own local police department to host your own event. I can guarantee you this -- you will enjoy every minute of it, and you will get back so much more than you put into it.
Wishing you all a
safe and Happy New Year. And please, if you venture out New Year's Eve, drink
responsibly. Don't become another statistic. Drive Sober or GET PULLED OVER. Don't wreck your life or the lives of others -- designate a driver or take a
taxi.
And that's all I
have to say about that!
Happy New Year to
you all! ♥
