I followed a trail of blood up the concrete steps as Deja vu overtook my thoughts.
I’d been here before, just a few short months ago, doing the same exact thing, following a trail of blood to an open front door.
As was the case then, on this night there had been another call for shots fired heard coming from the street.
A trail of blood, an open door and no body to be found.
Just like last time, the person was taken to the hospital by a friend, so we wait to hear from the hospital when they make their mandatory call about somebody coming into the emergency room with bullets in their body.
As I was checking the house for another injured or dead person, I couldn’t help but notice that the house was exactly as it had been before.
There was no furniture in the living room and there was trash all over the place. Paper plates with leftover food and cigarette butts littered the kitchen counter. The upstairs was where the televisions and furniture were kept. When you live in fear of drive by shootings, upstairs is the safer place to spend most of your time.
As I was leaving the kitchen, my eyes were drawn to the floor by a cockroach scurrying over a button, the kind that you can pin to your shirt to announce things like, “I voted” or “I gave blood!”
This button had a picture of Michael Brown on it and the words “Justice for Mike Brown” or some similar message around the photo.
There was something queer about the button being on this particular kitchen floor on this particular night, surrounded by roaches and drops of blood and dog shit as well.
I shook my head and left the house satisfied that nobody was dead or injured inside.
Just outside of Ferguson, life is going on.
The shootings and robberies and burglaries and car accidents and domestic incidents are still happening, and people are still calling for the police to come help them.
People still need our help, and we’re still providing it.
I’ve received many messages from people around the world asking me if I’m alright, asking whether or not I’ve been in Ferguson.
I am fine and I was up there for a little bit, yes, though not on the front lines of the chaos.
There seems to be a perception, outside of this area, that it’s a war zone here, that the whole region is in shambles.
I can see how a person might think such a thing. I mean, God forbid the national media folks take their cameras outside of the immediate area where all the trouble is happening to see that life is still being lived by decent folks, even just outside of Ferguson.
Just outside of Ferguson, here in St. Louis, I watched as several black kids played basketball in the street. They were the same kids I had watched playing ball several weeks ago.
The were playing with a basket that had a net attached to it. That’s a novelty in the city.
Several weeks ago, however, long before anyone knew who Mike Brown was, I watched as they bickered and argued and almost got into a fist fight, as young boys sometimes do, over whether or not a shot had gone through the rim or not.
“It went in,” I said from the car.
“Awe, NO WAY!” The defending boys protested.
“You need new glasses,” one of the boys shouted in jest.
He was probably right, but the ball had gone through the hoop, I was sure of it.
“And you boys need a new net,” I replied.
I got a call right about then and had to go. As I drove off, one of the boys asked me if I’d get them a net. I promised I would and left for my call.
A few days went by and I’d forgotten to get the net. I felt bad, so I drove around North St. Louis looking for a basketball net. Unbelievably, it’s difficult to find such an item in the area where I patrol.
Poverty and crime aren’t great assets for areas looking to woo businesses, so I had to venture into the County, towards Ferguson, ironically.
On a Saturday morning, I finally went to a Walmart and bought several nets. I went back to where the boys had been playing and got out of my car and started to walk to the netless rim.
As I was walking towards the rim, a man in a red Camaro parked right in front of the basket put his hands out the window and said, “I ain’t doin’ nothin’ wrong, officer. Just waitin’ on my girl.”
It’s sad that he assumed I was headed to him, but I get why.
“I didn’t say you were doing anything wrong, partner. Carry on with your day,” I told the man.
Thankfully, the rim wasn’t set at the 10 foot regulation height, so I could reach it without having to balance on something.
I started to put the net on the rim and the guy in the Camaro got out and walked over.
“You bought that net?” He asked.
“I certainly didn’t steal it,” I joked. “I told the kids I would bring one a couple of weeks ago, so I’m making good on my promise finally.”
“Awe hell, that’s really cool.” He said.
He came over to the rim, grabbed the other side of the net and helped me put it on. We shook hands, thanked each other and went about our days.
As I watched the kids playing basketball the other day, one of the boys asked me if I was the cop who bought the net.
“Yep. It’s been a few weeks now and I’m still waiting to hear somebody say thank you.” I was just being sarcastic, but I’ll be damned if every last one of those little buggers didn’t immediately say thank you right then and there.
I was given the honor of a couple of shots with a ball that had no air in it and proceeded to chuck an air ball and what I believe is still called a brick before hanging my head in shame and leaving the kids to their game. I looked to the porch and got a smile from one of the adults, maybe one of their moms, and I smiled back. Smiles are small victories to me. They probably laughed at me, but if they did, they had the courtesy to wait until I left, at least.
The boys weren’t concerned with what was going on in Ferguson because they were too busy being little boys.
Most of the other people I’ve dealt with aren’t consumed by it either.
The Subway clerk was still friendly and didn’t spit on my sandwich.
An old woman took my hand in a parking lot and asked to pray with me. I’m not normally into such things, but in times of crisis, being open to anything can only help. She asked Jesus to lift me up and help me be just and fair and to remain safe as I do God’s bidding.
I don’t know about all that, but I was glad for the prayer. She was the second person to ask if they could pray with me in a week. It hadn’t happened, that I can remember, in the fifteen years prior I’ve done this job.
I’m still responding for calls about accidents and shootings and assaults and everything we always deal with.
Life goes on, even when there’s chaos.
Crime never takes the day off, and may even become worse when there’s chaos.
Still, I am responding and I am helping and I am hoping, just like I believe the citizens are, that the mess in Ferguson is resolved soon.
We hope all this violence isn’t for nothing.
Something has to change, and change for the better.
Shame on all of us, if we let this pass and we don’t become better people for having endured it.
That’d be a real shitter.
For my part, I’m going to just keep doing the best job I can.
To start, I’m going to buy a basketball and fill it with air.
I’ll bring it to some boys who have a basket with a net, but no air in their ball.
It’s a little thing, but it’s something I hope will help to build trust and healing and keep them from growing up scared of the police.
It’s the least I can do out here, just outside of Ferguson.
don of all trades 
Reblogged this on Barb Taub and commented:
Don is one of the funniest, most sensitive (sorry Don!) and absolutely loving people I’ve ever encountered. And he’s a cop. Just outside of Ferguson…
You need a paypal account- or advise on a place to bring balls, nets, etc- things you can hand out as you see fit !
I’ve been thinking about you for days and wondering what you would say about the situation in Ferguson. Of course, you made me cry and laugh and think again that people are lucky you are there.
I don’t know that they’d agree with you, Barb, but I love you for saying so! Thank you.
Great post – I try not to believe everything that comes through my television set – it’s always the actions of a few that make it worse for every one – sort of like the pebble in your shoe – it’s tiny but it hurts like hell until you get it out of your shoe – great post! I am glad the kind of shooting was all good – pay it forward.
Sent from my iPhone
>
Thank you, Clay!
You are such a good man Don. A good man.
Oh you, stop! I’m a jackass, but I do try. Thank you.
Keep on keepin’ on Don…one net and air-filled basketball, at at time. 🙂
Awe, thank you for reading,Jen. I appreciate it and I’ll do my best for sure.
Great post from an even better man. Stay amazing, Don. Also, stay safe and keep making a difference. The folks in St. Louis are lucky to have you.
Don, another reason I love you. Great post!! 🙂 Been wondering if you were involved in any of the action. Glad to hear all is well.
Keep up the good work, Don. The world could use a little more air in its basketball. As always, stay safe.
Wow, Don! I have been wanting to hear from you about all of this mess and respect your opinion and thoughts greatly. Thank you for this real yet simple message of hope and kindness. 🙂 🙂
Just Tweeted it. 🙂
Reblogged this on Danielle Lenee Davis and commented:
Don,
I’m so glad you posted this. Like Barb, I’ve been wondering how you were doing. I hope it works out the way it’s supposed to.
Take care everybody. Be safe!
Thanks for your service in a very tough environment. Be safe.
I’ve been hoping you’d post about this. And here it is.
Glad you’re safe. You’re doing good work … just outside of Ferguson, and now in other cities too.
I was wondering how you were doing Don. I’m glad you’re OK and doing well. Great post.
Oh, man, Don. You wrote something that I can’t even poke fun at! Great post – truly, a great post.
My Dad, who walked his final Long Gray Line last year is applauding you from somewhere. As am I, Don. Thank you for your attitude and commitment to meaningful connections, healing and framing matters in a constructive light. There are always two ways to see and interpret events. I (and I know others) appreciate you being one of the many ‘good guys.’
You are AWESOME. I kind of want to hug you.
That is all.
Me too, Bethie
Don, this is an excellent post. I’ve got family and friend in the Philly PD and as I thank them for what they do, I thank YOU as well, and hope you stay safe.
Don’t ever change, Don. ((Hugs))
Damn, Don. That’s all kinds of awesome.
That was beautifully written, Don. One of your best. I’m gonna go out there and predict a Freshly Pressed on this one. It is really that good.
There needs to be more stories like THIS and less about the one sidedness the main stream media is covering. Thank you for writing this, Don.
Reblogged this on Misc. Maggie and commented:
From the inimitable Don of All Trades. Thanks Don, you give us hope.
Just beautiful Don.
Reblogged this on My blog is my boyfriend and commented:
Stop what you are doing and read this..it is beautiful.
and now…. numba 8….
7 ways NOT to get shot by da cops (#6 is your best defense)
1. Don’t be in a gang.
2. Don’t rob convenience stores.
3. Don’t do or sell drugs.
4. Don’t loiter on street corners or walk down the middle of the street.
5. Don’t carouse at night.
6. If you are stopped by a police officer, comply with his or her orders. If you don’t like what they are doing, record the incident and hire an attorney.
7. Do not, under any circumstances, attack the officer, hit the officer, or try to take the officer’s gun away from the officer.
8. don’t run up2a cop wit a nife…
Reblogged this on I write about things and you read them and commented:
Thanks for this post. This post has left a bad taste in the mouths of many. Most cops are good people just trying to do their jobs. And it sucks that we only hear about officers when something horrendous goes down.
I think this will be one of those contagious ones, ya know? Like it’s going to be VIRAL or something!!! Take your meds and keep your health, you have a job to do!
I just decided that I really, really like you. The Sisterwives kept telling me to read you, and man was this a way to start. Thanks for bringing some simple kindness to the world.
Don’s da bomb, Mizz Jennie 🙂 I’m glad you came over to this post. He’s an asshole with a heart of pure gold.
A great post. You remind me of Irish priests (ha ha bet you’re wondering where this one is going). When all the abuse scandals happened here in Ireland the priests were demonised, and quite rightly too. However not all were bad men and the few really good ones had a very tough time. I think Don, you might be one of those good ones!
God Bless you for caring !!! I started a page Pro God Stop The Violence . I’m a proud Colorado State Troopers Mom !!! My prayers n thoughts are with you guys !!! My heart goes out to you for the job you do !!!
Oh wow. This is such a touching post. Thank you for the perspective and for being so awesome. I love that the guy stopped and helped you put the net up – that speaks volumes. Smiles are definitely small victories – especially to people in uniform. You’re one of a kind, Don.
If I were there, I’d buy you a Bud Lime for this. You’re a rockstar, and an asshole, and I once again found myself feeling all warm towards you. You’re not noisy. You *are* the change the world needs, and then you write it. Which is the right way around. I could do with learning that from you.
This was great Don and you truly are wonderful. You have definitely been on my mind the past week, our friend. And I heard about today as well. Please stay safe always…
It IS the little things… the small victories. You’re awesome, Don. Stay safe.
Sharing. I have several friends that are police officers and all are the type to buy a new net or fill a ball with air, as most cops are. The good is always overshadowed by the bad. Thanks for shedding this light, Don.
Love you dude. Just read this to my husband and might have cried a little bit. Or, it could be the aftershocks of letting Tucker dump ice on my head, which is totally your fault so whatever. Seriously though, you’re fucking awesome. I’m glad you wrote this.
This is beautifully written! Wouldn’t it be nice if the media would actually acknowledge that our whole city isn’t going to hell in a handbasket….at least not today. From a girl in St Charles who goes to work every day in Cool Valley life is going on for all of us. 🙂
Nothing is better than watching little kids just play ball. The gesture you made, small though it was, reaffirms that we all can understand basic goodness. Peace.
You’re a good guy, Don. Keep your ass safe now, ya hear?
Don you are a fucking champion!
Good news is great news, my family is from north St. Louis, though we left long ago on what I lovingly call the DuPont tour. Dad grew up sledding in O’Fallon Park, was in the knothole gang. My uncles lived in Jennings and Dellwood. We started off in Moline Acres and made our way west to Olivette before leaving St. Louis for work. I only want one thing, peace. Thanks for playing your part.
This is so amazing, my puny brain can’t think of words good enough to comment. That’s impressive with everything going on you remembered about the net, and went back and put it up. I couldn’t do your job for so, so many reasons. And of course I would never do it half as well. I don’t know how to thank people who see the worst of humanity day after day yet don’t become bitter because of it. You’re a special breed. They’re lucky to have you!
Blessings to you and all your fellow officers. Good for you to see the real and see the need and try and do something about it! Hope the boys appreciate the ball and the net. Maybe if more officers did things like that, they wouldn’t have to deal with kids who grow up to act like that other young man did!!
oh you’re a goodie don. ain’t no bout a doubt it. keep up the good fight, officer.
I have nothing funny to say. Love this one 🙂
Thank you, Julie. Your smiling face and KSU shirt is all the funny I need.
Living in Florissant, I appreciate this story SO much. Keep on, good man, keep on. And THANK YOU.
Thank you for this post, I am way rural and do not often see the better side of cities as that is not often considered news worthy. I hope for your continued safety, thank you for doing all you do.
Oh my gosh! Thank you!! I knew it could not be all that the media was portraying. I knew that most people really are seeking good and offering grace. Keep it up, Sir. Prayers for your safety and for your fellow citizens.
Yes. This is wonderful. Thank you for making the world a better place.
Bravo, sir. Excellent post. And, thank you for what you do every day!