Jacob's Turn

A week after Jennifer and I graduated, it was Jacob's turn. He worked very hard this past year. Every morning, he would get up early and go to work. In the late afternoons and evenings, he would attend police academy classes.

He ran. He worked out. He shot targets. He learned how to do important police work.

He spent every Saturday for months attending more classes.

He ran some more. He worked out more. He shot even more targets. He learned how to be an effective police officer.

I'm sure it was very hard at times. He didn't get to spend much time with his lovely wife. He didn't get to spend much time playing basketball (one of his favorites sports!) He didn't get to spend much time watching TV. But, this was important to him.

Finally, he was done. We gathered together as a family to celebrate his accomplishments. His mother and younger brother flew up to cheer him on, also.

The first thing we noticed when we arrived was how distinguished the graduates looked in their uniforms. The second things we noticed was the brevity of the program. After two marathon graduation ceremonies the previous week, we were very grateful. One of the most touching moments was when the graduates took the police officers code of conduct oath.

The graduates were asked to then turn and face their loved ones as they completed the oath. (I wish this photo was less blurry, but I am not known for my photographic skills. I am also not known for my bowling skills--but that's another story for perhaps another day.)

After each officer received their certificates, they gave special awards to certain members of the graduating class. There were awards for physical fitness, academic excellence, and shooting awards. You might remember an earlier post where I mentioned that our family fasted and prayed for Jacob that he might be able to pass three tests. Jacob needed to pass different shooting tests. This was not a natural talent for him and he worked very hard. He easily passed the qualifiers the last time he could take them. We were thrilled and cheered loudly when he received an award for "The Most Improved Shooter." Isn't that a cute plaque that he will want to display next to his wedding photographs?

I am so grateful that his police academy graduation came while I was still in Utah. It was wonderful celebrating this happy event with Jacob and Jennifer.