The Unseen Shield: Love, Dedication, and the Smudges of Life

Every morning as I get ready for work, I can’t help but notice smudges on my name bar. While it may seem like a minor issue, it is a constant source of frustration. My agency has set strict standards for its employees, and I take pride in upholding them. As such, I must polish my name bar to keep it pristine.

My employer places a great deal of emphasis on professionalism. They believe that our appearance reflects our dedication to our job and our commitment to our career. Therefore, they expect us to arrive at work with a neatly pressed uniform, polished shoes, and a well-groomed appearance. They believe that if we look the part, we will act the part.

However, smudges on my name bar can detract from my professional image. It can make me appear careless and unconcerned about my career. I understand the importance of looking the part, and I always strive to present myself in the best possible light. But dealing with smudges on my name bar every day is a constant battle that I have to face. Despite this, I remain committed to upholding the standards set forth by my agency and presenting myself as a dedicated and professional employee.

It gets tiresome, constantly wiping off all those smudges.

Yet, I love every moment of it.

When I come home at night, my kids run to me first. They don’t know my job, but they know that I’m a policeman. As they run towards me, they grab hold of me and don’t let go. They hug me tight, smile, and tell me in their adorable toddler voices how their day was. They adore my uniform, not because of what it represents or my profession, but because of all the shiny objects on it. They love to grab my badge, comment on how shiny it looks, and then move on to the next shiny thing, my name bar.

They touch my name bar. They always have sticky toddler fingers from their afternoon snack. They point to it and say, “That’s Daddy’s name.” Then, they grab the rank insignia on my shoulders and repeat the process. They pull out my whistle chain, touch all my buttons and ribbons, and tell me what each thing is. They are great learners.

They leave smudges.

On everything.

When I arrive at the gym in the morning, I hang my uniform in my locker. After my workout, I take a shower, and then I start getting ready.

As I slide open the locker door and reach in to grab my uniform, my eyes are immediately drawn to the array of smudges staring back at me. Despite the rush of getting ready, I can’t resist the urge to pause momentarily and take in the sight before me. A smile spreads across my face as I admire the unique pattern of each mark, each one telling a story of its own.

The tiny fingerprints and smudges on my name bar and rank insignia of my uniform serve as constant reminders. They are a testament to the love surrounding me and the blessings my wife and I have been bestowed with. These little marks remind me to stay vigilant and safe in an unpredictable and chaotic world.

They serve as a beacon that guides me back to my family, reminding me of the warmth and comfort of my home. They remind me of the little feet that run through my house and the inevitable silence that will one day replace their pitter-patter as the grow into young adults.

I love those smudges. They symbolize everything that I hold dear, and they motivate me to be the best version of myself every day. So, I will continue to polish my name bar every morning, wear it with pride, and carry a piece of my family with me every step of the way. My children may not fully understand what my job entails, but they have taught me one important lesson — the value of those little smudges on my name bar.

No matter how tiresome it can be to keep it looking the part, I will always embrace it with love and gratitude. They remind me why I chose this profession in the first place, and they inspire me every day to continue striving for excellence.