I turned around to see a masked man pointing a gun at me. It was just the beginning of a series of events, including robbery and abduction, which changed my life forever. I Need Blue, hosted by Jen Lee, is a podcast series featuring lived-experiences from survivors of life events. I NEED BLUE creates space for survivors of trauma to feel they BELONG, are LOVED, UNDERSTOOD and EMPOWERED! I called 9-1-1 and they provided me with life-saving directions to help my customer who was having a medical emergency. Law enforcement rescued us and caught the robber. Our first-responders face unique traumas every day. I NEED BLUE provides space for them too!
https://ineedblue.net/
episode 12: Healing and Honoring: Lauren's Journey as a Law Enforcement Officers Wife
Despite facing the ups and downs of marriage to a law enforcement officer, Lauren found strength and resilience in her faith and commitment to marriage. But after 16 years of loving service, an unexpected tragedy struck - and it was only then that Lauren discovered the true power of honoring her loved one while finding strength within herself. What will happen as Lauren continues on her journey of healing and self-care?
In this episode, you will be able to:
- Understand how families in law enforcement navigate grief and trauma.
- Recognize the signs of mental and physical well-being for first responders.
- Discover community resources available to support grieving partners.
- Learn the delicate art of self-care and healing while commemorating lost loved ones.
- Realize the value of preventive healthcare initiatives for first responder organizations.
My special guest is Lauren.
Lauren is a devoted wife and mother who experienced the challenges of being a spouse to a law enforcement officer for 16 years. She has navigated her husband's career's ups and downs while maintaining her identity and supporting her family. Through her journey, Lauren has learned the importance of balancing self-care, healing, and honoring lost loved ones. Drawing from her experiences, Lauren provides valuable insights and support for others in similar situations, helping them find strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
- Listen to the I Need Blue Podcast on Apple, Spotify, other listening platforms, and the website www.ineedblue.net.
- Visit the I Need Blue website for valuable resources, safety tips, and information about Jen Lee's newly released book and ebook, Why I Survived by Jen Lee.
- Check out the Learn to Podcast PDF on the I Need Blue website to start your podcast.
- By visiting the website, support and connect with Shar Good, the talented violinist who composed and performed the opening music for the I Need Blue Podcast.
- Prioritize your healing and recovery in difficult situations and find joy again.
- Create space for first responders to heal without feeling like they have lost their identity.
- Consider supporting and advocating for the overall health and well-being of first responders in your community.
Dealing with Fear
Fear is an inherent part of life, but when faced with the unique challenges and dangers of law enforcement, it can impact the officer and their families. As a spouse, understanding and dealing with fear can be integral to maintaining the relationship and ensuring the emotional well-being of both partners. The key to dealing with fear is open communication, support from loved ones, and finding effective coping strategies. In the conversation, Lauren mentioned how the shift in the perception of law enforcement officers affected her husband's behavior, leading to heightened fear in their family. He even refused to display the thin blue line flag outside their home. To manage her fears, Lauren remained grounded in her faith and kept a positive outlook on life, which helped her stay supportive of her husband despite their challenges together.