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Quiet cop kindness

This photo provided by Jennifer Foster shows New York City Police Officer Larry DePrimo presenting a barefoot homeless man in New York's Time Square with boots Nov. 14, 2012 . Foster was visiting New York with her boyfriend on Nov. 14, when she came across the shoeless man asking for change in Times Square. As she was about to approach him, she said the officer came up to the man with a pair of all-weather boots and thermal socks on the frigid night. She took the picture on her cellphone. It was posted Tuesday night to the NYPD's official Facebook page and became an instant hit. More than 350,000 users "liked" it as of Thursday afternoon, and over 100,000 shared it. (Jennifer Foster / Jennifer Foster )
This photo provided by Jennifer Foster shows New York City Police Officer Larry DePrimo presenting a barefoot homeless man in New York's Time Square with boots Nov. 14, 2012 . Foster was visiting New York with her boyfriend on Nov. 14, when she came across the shoeless man asking for change in Times Square. As she was about to approach him, she said the officer came up to the man with a pair of all-weather boots and thermal socks on the frigid night. She took the picture on her cellphone. It was posted Tuesday night to the NYPD's official Facebook page and became an instant hit. More than 350,000 users "liked" it as of Thursday afternoon, and over 100,000 shared it. (Jennifer Foster / Jennifer Foster )

I had a migraine headache today…and then I looked at the calendar and remembered: three years ago today the Lakewood police officers were gunned down as they sipped Sunday morning coffee. Sometimes our bodies remember grief when our memories do not actively recall.  

I wrote a column for the Seattle Times after that event because I am married to a police sergeant. The stress of a law enforcement career impacts the entire family. I often think of those widows, children, family members and department friends who are survivors of the deceased officers. I know I could easily be one of them.

Today, a photo of an NYPD officer was all over the news  – he gave a pair of $75 boots and warm socks to a barefoot, homeless man who was sitting in Times Square. Seems viewers think it is a big deal. What they don’t realize is that police officers offer such kindness to citizens every day.    

Problem is: there’s never a journalist around when you really need one.

(S-R photo: This photo provided by Jennifer Foster shows New York City Police Officer Larry DePrimo presenting a barefoot homeless man in New York's Time Square with boots Nov. 14, 2012 .)

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.