Brave Enough To Be Bliss

Chapter 2 — Good Cop, Bad Cop Chapter Dedication: Will Bolen and Tyler Moss of the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department and all current and former police officers who have chosen to put their lives on the line to protect their communities. And to all citizens who have been discriminated against, hurt by, or lost lives as a result of police brutality. “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The fall after the girls moved into the apartment, Danielle’s dad’s job had him working on a big project in New York so without kids at home anymore, he and her mom rented an apartment there. They came back periodically, but that fall and winter we didn’t see too much of them. But when they came back during the pandemic, the girls began hosting Taco Tuesdays for us all, and they were the highlight of our weeks. Danielle is an amazing cook and Kylee is a great bartender, and even without Cooper’s help, she makes a mean margarita.

While our families have traveled on vacations and have known each other for years, Danielle’s mom and I hadn’t really discussed our faith much more than acknowledging we go to the same church. But with one of those margaritas in me and my increased authenticity from working with Ginger, I decided to go beyond my normal comfort zone with her and share a bit about how I get these “ feelings ” sometimes to do things for people, reach out to them, etc. It led to a great conversation and what felt like a closer connection almost instantly. We got real with each other, and it felt great. I told her about a book and how I began to notice even more of those

feelings after I read it because I was actually paying attention . She said she’d like to read it, and I told her I would look for my copy when I got home. I couldn’t find it so I ordered one and had it shipped to her telling her it was my little gift. She thanked me and I responded with this message.

Thu, May 28, 2020 at 11:52 AM You are quite welcome! I'll be anxious to know what you think of it. If nothing else, it certainly made me more aware of paying attention to those little feelings and it led to some very interesting, fun, fulfilling and rewarding situations.

Danielle’s brother Tyler and Will both worked in the same police department division, which happened to be located in the highest crime area of the city. They didn’t end up working the same shift, but during Will’s training this photo was taken. It’s always been a favorite of mine.

That photo took on new meaning on July 2, 2020, when Tyler was shot in the head as he was responding to a call with his partner. You can watch the link below for an overview of Tyler’s story.

Against all odds: A KCPD officer's story of survival (kshb.com)

While we didn’t think we were going to be able to get into the hospital because of the pandemic rules, this was a unique circumstance, so Kylee was able to go in and see his parents. I was feeling helpless, so I busied myself with putting together a basket of things so at least they knew I was thinking of them. When I arrived to drop it off, Kylee said I could come in also. There are no sufficient

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