A Monday in New Orleans

This Monday was a little different than my typical Mondays. I arrived in New Orleans and teamed up with the comfort dog team, Steve and Roxy [the handlers] and Persis [the Golden Retriever] along with Sarah and Denise all from Lutheran Church Charities [LCC].

This group had brought in the beautiful white crosses that have a heart in the center of them. These crosses quickly became a place for family and visitors of the horrific attack site on January 1st to write messages of hope and love for the victims.

After a quick media interview, we headed over to the 8th District Precinct in the French Quarter. The LCC team had a beautiful heart to give to them that had been signed by the team and some locals. Even with the presidential visit looming, the command at the district made us feel welcomed. We presented the heart and I asked if it was ok if I prayed for them. Thinking I would only be praying with the two rank officers there, the Captain quickly called for all officers in the lobby area there to gather around for the prayer. I was blessed to be able to share a prayer with these incredible men and women who serve the community and who have seen the aftermath of such senseless violence. I am always honored to be able to pray for protection, peace and comfort in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Following this visit, we headed back to the memorial on Bourbon street and continued our vigil there. It was then that the family of one of the young men who died that night came to visit the site. To watch parents and loved ones mourn is a hard thing to do without becoming tearful. So many times we try to stay stoic, but that was not a time as his mother left her note on the cross. “I love you more, I win love mom”

With that, it was time for me to leave. Hug or call your loved ones today is all I can say. And we all pray that this does not happen again…