There in the ICU room, with lines running into Tommy’s body, the beeping of monitors surrounding us, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead facing them, I had the incredible privilege of discussing with my dear daughter and dear son prioritizing Christ above all things. 

Two weeks ago last night, just before midnight, we were about to head to bed after a full and satisfying Lord’s Day. Then my cell phone rang. Seeing it was my daughter, Emory, made me a bit uneasy as I answered, knowing she would not normally call so late at night. Hearing her voice confirmed my concern. Her husband, Tommy, a newly minted police officer in Indianapolis, had been shot through the throat while seeking to apprehend a man.

Often the police are referred to as the “thin blue line.” The “line” refers to the way police protect society from criminals. “Blue” refers to the typical color of their uniforms. And the word “thin” is a reminder of how susceptible the police are to acts of violence that can lead to injury or death.

Since that evening, the focus of both Tommy and Emory’s families, and so many around them, have been on supporting Tommy and Emory through the ups and downs of this tragedy. The shot that pierced the thin blue line also pierced Tommy’s larynx, taking away his ability to swallow, breathe without a tracheostomy, and speak. The early days in the hospital were difficult, as there was much uncertainty whether Tommy would regain these functions. Yet we rejoiced over God’s providence as we learned details. Here are just a few examples:

Emergency vehicles were dispatched prior to the shooting because of the hit and run that occurred in this incident, meaning paramedics were able to attend to Tommy almost immediately. Otherwise, he could have suffered brain trauma due to lack of oxygen.

The bullet missed his spinal cord. As proof of his freedom from spinal injury and testimony to his physical fitness, Tommy climbed two sets of hospital stairs and started doing squats just a few days after being shot.

As the bullet went through his larynx, Tommy has gone through two surgeries and an emergency procedure thus far. Each time, the Lord has provided the right team of expert surgeons and staff to attend to him. Following his second surgery, the prognosis went from a slim chance to cautiously optimistic that Tommy will speak again one day.

On Friday of last week, Tommy left the hospital with the medical staff and police department giving him quite a send-off. As he arose from the wheelchair to walk out to the police car escort, Tommy paused and signed with Emory giving the interpretation: “Tommy is weak, but God is my strength.”

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