A senior Victoria Police chaplain with more than 20 years of working amongst some of the world's most disadvantaged people, Jim has seen much grief and brokenness. As a parent of two current serving police officers, Jim, now watches the news with a mix of dread, grief and pride when he hears stories involving police.
Below, Jim shares his personal story and tells us why he encourages having those difficult conversations about emotions.
As a parent of two serving Victoria Police officers, I’ve realised I watch the nightly news a little differently than I used to. Though the content of each news bulletin seems to mirror those I’ve watched for decades, the context of each of the stories involving police causes my attention to be a little more focused.
I’m very adept at coping with trauma and grief. My role as the senior Victoria Police chaplain, as well as 20 years of working amongst some of the world's most disadvantaged people, has exposed me to much grief and brokenness.
I’m also married to a nurse who has worked in emergency wards, hospital theatres, and is now a clinical nurse specialist. As a couple we have assisted and cared for people throughout our 35 years of marriage.
In the mix of our own personal experiences, we raised our two children exposing them to the wonders of the world but also allowing them to witness the effects of poverty, injustice, addiction and greed. It was no surprise when they both decided to apply and subsequently graduate as Victoria Police officers, swearing to uphold the right of those whom they were now avowed to protect.
So now when I turn the news channel on and hear stories of police being involved in the latest skirmish or critical incident, I realise my investment into the care and protection of our society is a deeply personal one.
There are two emotions that are consistently present as a parent, or loved one, of serving police officers. One we openly speak about, the other we can find difficult to verbalise. Those two emotions are:
Simply being able to talk about these two emotions unlocks an internal gate that we somehow feel needs to be firmly closed in case we make others worry about how we are feeling.
Pride and anxiety are two normal human emotions, and when these are in balance, cause us to share honestly and openly for those we care for.
Last night when I watched the news, I realised again that I watch with different eyes, looking for different information. Pride and anxiety are in balance though because I know I don’t walk this path alone.
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