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Remember to tell your dad you love him
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Posted by nwv_admin Mon Jun 13, 2005 16:36:00 PDT
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0 responses 0 comments In a time when officers are criticized for being too aggressive and overzealous, I would like to share the story of an officer who loved his job and was equally devoted to his family.

My dad, Ray Miller, was a 16-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol. He began the job in 1969 and worked in Los Angeles, Fort Tejon and Bakersfield until 1985. He loved being out and about and not tied down to a desk all day -- so much so that he used only one sick day in 16 years.

Ironically, being out on patrol is what cost him his life. He was ticketing a truck driver who was parked illegally on the side of the I5 when a semi-truck driver traveling at 70 mph fell asleep behind the wheel and hit my father, crushing both his legs. Even lying on the ground, he was able to give directions to citizens on how to call for help. After doing so, he asked for a rock or stick to write a message to my mother in the dirt because he thought he was going to die.

After the accident, my father knew his chosen career was over and that he would have to think of new ways to provide for his family from a wheelchair. As it turned out, he didn't have to make a choice -- he died due to complications from his injuries three weeks after the accident. I was 15 years old.

Today, as I approach the very age he was when he died, I find myself thinking of him often. What type of grandfather would he be? What would he be doing with his retirement years? I miss his love of working in the yard. Would he still pride himself on having the greenest lawn on the block? Could he make my yard look that good? Would I still run to the auto parts store with him a million times for one repair, or would my daughter be riding next to him? Just to feel his embrace or see his smile would be so wonderful.

Please, this Father's Day give your dad a hug and kiss and tell him you love him. The man shown in this picture was more than an officer -- he was my dad.

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