Week 9 in the books!

As an unfortunately gloomy start to our week, we must acknowledge the passing of 2 Sacramento area deputies, Deputy Danny Oliver and Det. Michael David Davis. Our city mourns the loss of two brave men who gave their lives in the line of duty. I watched the news anxiously on Friday and when they reported the death of Deputy Oliver, I was surprised at how deeply I felt the loss. I wiped tears away, thinking about the families of these men, their wives and children and it gave me chills as to how prepared a family can be for this line of work but still utterly devastated when the worst happens. It's terrifying to think about and I try not to spend time dwelling on it, as I'm already a worrier by nature.

But there is a sense of family and camaraderie that comes with being part of the law enforcement family that I felt on Friday as well. The loss of a father, a husband and a son is felt deeply within the law enforcement family too. There is comfort in knowing that their loss impacts the community as a whole, as they gave their lives in the pursuit of serving others. Their sacrifice won't go unnoticed and I hope their family feels the outpouring of love and appreciation that our community feels for them.

It was painfully accurate timing with the cadets going through their "Dangers of the Job" class on Wednesday, which R admitted shook him up a bit. He came home that Wednesday a little somber and reserved, as I imagined that class stuck with him a bit. While I doubt the slides in that class were pleasant, it serves as a good reminder to the cadets that complacency is dangerous in their line of work. It drives home the fact that everything they learn in the academy is meant to prepare them to their best ability. I remember back to the initial Valley division orientation, feeling so overwhelmed with the new changes to come in our lives, but realizing that R leaving home and living at the academy was ultimately necessary for the training that will keep him alive on the job. The struggles we have, every time I push him our the door on Sunday nights, it's all meant to prepare him for the line of work he's chosen. When I remember that, it makes our goodbyes less sorrowful and more purposeful.

I admit this post has gotten a bit heavy, even for me so let's end on a few good notes. R has been evading "gigs" and bad attention so that's a positive. He's also been passing all his tests! They were issued their vests and this week they are likely to start wearing their long sleeved blues which include the tie and tie bar. It's likely he'll test for some driving test this week (I apologize I don't remember the full title but it's a form of advanced vehicle placement) and he's excited for that. He's looking unbelievably good and still dropping weight. We were listening to a song we remembered from high school and as I looked at him, I was struck with how much he looked like he did 10 years ago, when we first met. Now if only I could get back to that time too! Haha.

Lastly, we just want to say Thank You to anyone reading this blog, it means the world to us knowing R has supporters on this journey. We love you guys!

Day 55 of 186 (Week 9)

We're on to Week 9! I think the time point I'm looking forward to is getting to week 14 so I can say we're halfway there. Only 5 weeks to go until then...

I am SO relieved R passed skidpan. We have 2 more driving tests to get through and I know I'm going to be nervous for both of them. His roommates both passed skidpan too so that was a relief as well.

So the senior class of cadets graduated on Friday and I was so proud to see all the photos and videos of graduation. Only being 9 weeks in, I have the utmost respect for the cadets who make it all 27 weeks. It always makes me emotional to think about R getting to that graduation day and me getting to pin him. When I'm sad or frustrated about R being away, I try and think of that day to get me through. 

The junior cadets worked various jobs during graduation and R took up directing traffic. I can only imagine how handsome he looked in his cadet blues, greeting eager families pulling into the academy. I joked with him that I should've snuck in just to drive by and see him standing there directing cars. He mentioned there was a day care where families could leave little ones during graduation and he wished he had maybe done that job instead. He would've been great at it, kids absolutely love R. 

We were nervous this week would be a little painful, considering the senior class would be gone and all the attention would be on his cadet class. We did make sure to study the 10 codes a little harder this weekend and polish his boots extra well, just in case.

He also has liberty this Wednesday, so we're excited about that. I don't want to jinx anything so as I type this, I'm knocking on any and all surrounding wood but R has been flying under the radar lately, in terms of attracting attention, which is really good. He mentioned a cadet getting 7-8 gigs in one day last week and I had flashbacks to our Weeks 2-3 experiences with multiple gigs. Let's hope it stays this way for R!

His company (Company A) earned their flag yesterday, which is given to them by staff office. R said that was good, it means they're doing something right. 

Also, R is down 44 lbs! :) He's looking great.

So Week 9 is upon us, let's hope it goes quickly!

And Congrats to CTC II-14 on graduation, well done cadets! 

Day 49 of 187 (Week 8)

I sat nervously by my phone last night and finally after 8, my phone rings.

He starts chatting so nonchalant about his day and I can feel my heart pounding as I ask him, "How did it go today?"

He passed skidpan!!!

I felt a huge sense of relief wash over me. The knots that had been in my stomach all day finally unraveled. I know it was only his 3rd attempt and technically he would have gotten a 4th attempt but just knowing we're not in that situation of "pass or go home" for skidpan really made my night. And since he passed, he gets to have liberty tonight!

I'm so incredibly proud of him and I hope you are too.

On to high speed!

P.S. It'll be a miracle if I don't have an ulcer by the end of this academy. So many difficult tests to pass and I'll be on the edge of my seat for all of them.

Day 48 of 187 (Week 8)

Week 8, here we come!

We had a lovely relaxing weekend, with equal parts relaxation and activity. Sunday was hard as usual but we said our goodbyes as he went back Sunday night.

Update-wise, here's a few things:

• With the senior cadets graduating this week, the junior cadets are responsible for flag duty. Getting roped in by one of his roommates, R is a sub for flag duty now. 
• He had his first skidpan training last week. He said it was very cool and definitely harder than it looks. 
• He had another skidpan attempt yesterday but hasn't passed yet. So please send him good vibes, prayers and thoughts that he passes soon!
• They got their vests and R says they make him sweat even more than he did before.

He's doing well but I think he gets pretty homesick too, like I'm sure all the cadets do. I'd encourage all of the people who know R to also shoot him a text every once in awhile, telling him to hang in there and keep him upbeat.

I'd be lying to myself  if I didn't say that I am incredibly nervous and anxious for him to pass skidpan. Skidpan is one of the driving tests that tends to knock out a high number of cadets and now that he's on his 3rd attempt, I'm just praying he passes ASAP. It's ironic that my fears coming into the academy were mostly about how badly I'd want him to stay home, and now my greatest fear is him coming home early. We have talked about what it would be like if that happened, and I make sure to tell him that A. I'd love him no matter what B. He could always give the academy another shot and C. Everything would be okay. But just knowing how disappointed R would be, we're both banking on that not happening. And I talk positive with R all of the time, we try not to dwell on the what-ifs. Sooo, positive thoughts!

It's a quite a roller coaster we're on, this road to CHP.

Please send prayers and good thoughts to R today and for the rest of this week, that he passes skidpan! <3

Day 41 of 187 (Week 7)

Week 7 is here, which means at the end of this week, we'll have 20 weeks left. Crazy.

R came home for the weekend and while I went to my younger brother's football game in Elk Grove, he washed the dishes, rented some movies and brought home flowers. He is so thoughtful during our time together, even through all the things he endures. I'm a lucky wife.

• Before he left for the weekend, he saw his name under Skidpan for Tuesday and was so excited. He called last night (Monday) and said he got bumped out likely because someone else needed to re-tesk but he was hoping he'll get to do it this week.
• He had 3 tests coming up this week, including 1 that has a particularly low pass rate so send him good vibes for it please!
• He practiced some of his PMA (physical methods of arrest) moves on me this weekend and they are no joke. The moves they put on you when you're getting arrested are unpleasant, take my word for it.

One of my favorite things on the weekends is seeing how much R and his roommates text each other. They've grown to be great friends. His roommate S sent him a photo with a huge bottle of wine from Costco and mentioned that he told his wife how much I apparently love wine...great, thanks for the shining reputation, R! I can't wait to meet his roommates' wives someday, they seem like wonderful ladies.

So short updates today but R has liberty tomorrow night and I'll try to get some juicy tidbits to share here later this week!

Day 37 of 186 (Week 6)

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been a little MIA, it was a busy week. R came home to celebrate my birthday last Friday and it was a wonderfully busy weekend, jam packed with things to do. It was a lot of peoples' first time seeing R since he was in the academy and they could NOT get over how skinny he is now. It is a quite a shock if you haven't seen him since August.

A few updates now that we're in Week 6:

• R started driving this week and passed Vehicle Placement. He was beyond excited about getting to drive, it was definitely his favorite part. He can't wait to drive again.
• He had liberty the last 2 Wednesdays, which has been lovely but he doubts he'll get the next few due to a few gigs he accumulated.
• Last week, there was a retirement event and R got to see some of his friends who are retired CHP and current CHP, which he also enjoyed.
• They started learning Spanish and he's done well so far (which is good considering he went up to AP Spanish in high school). 
• The Senior cadets were practicing in their tans (the official CHP uniform) yesterday which was exciting for the junior cadets to see. They graduate in less than a month!
• This also means the junior cadets have been practicing the fountain ceremony since they'll be the ones to do it once the seniors are gone.
• R's cadet class was visited by the uniform folks to start thinking about who they want to purchase their uniform through. Good motivation for them!  
• We got his first full month's paycheck. :)

It's hard to believe that we're almost 1.5 months in. At the same time, I think the cadets' absence is starting to hit the wives, girlfriends and families a little more too. I'm in a closed Facebook group for R's cadet class, I've noticed other wives have been posting about how difficult it's becoming for them and their kids. I mentioned this to R last night and he said his roommate's wives have been saying the same thing. It seems like we're reaching a new threshold of discomfort to overcome but like I told R, it'll be worth it in the end. All he needs to think about is pushing through and hopefully the holidays will just make the time past faster. I know saying goodbye on Sundays and Wednesdays has been a little more difficult than it was the first 5 weeks for me personally, but my insistence at his perseverance at the academy has not changed. We know what he needs to do and we'll do whatever it takes to get there. 

The nice thing is R comes home with funny stories now so it seems like the cadet class is really bonding and getting along. He has nothing but great things to say about his cadet class. He even did some of his roommates laundry when he came home last night (since we're lucky enough for R to come home)! I found that to be really sweet.

Thank you everyone for the support and keep texting R to let him know we're here for him!

E