While my oldest son Christopher operates daily under extreme circumstances as an officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, he was not exactly the model often seen in the razor commercial shaving his face as he jumped out of an airplane. No, our high-flying daredevil of a son was the embodiment of apprehension as he awaited his free-fall from 10,000 feet outside the San Diego city limits. Bravery is being afraid of doing something and doing it anyway.
Since a child, Christopher knew he lived in an infinite universe with unimaginable beauty everywhere (probably why he always loved wherever he was). Early reality struggles occurred when convincing his mind and body that they were designed with unlimited possibilities. It wasn’t until he recognized that to achieve great things one must desire to live life to the fullest. Yet why is it that so few of us do?
So what did sky diving do for Christopher? Maybe it built a bridge from where he was to where he wants to be – perhaps it unlocked raw power and potential – it could have inspired him further to care for others, which is truly his final frontier.
Will Christopher sign up for further exciting experiences? I wouldn’t be surprised. Perhaps flying in a glider over the Nevada desert (Marti has been there), or scuba diving with sharks (his sister’s done that), or bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge towers in South Africa, the world’s highest single span arch bridge (his sister has done that, too).
While it will not surprise me if he funds another daredevil trip and invites Marti to join him (for which she will quickly start packing), our firstborn will continue the courageous work of the LAPD everyday. He along with the bravest of men and women will put their lives on the line for us tomorrow and the next day in order to serve and protect the safety of us all – to respond when called upon and work to coordinate a fast, effective response to protect homes, property, and most importantly the lives of those we love. Be safe out there, Christopher, you make me proud. Just take care of yourself, too… ok?
John Fischer The Catch 
Like to add this what I thought and felt is a great saying about Police Officers, to the story, from my dear brother-in-law Kurt B. who also is a police officer, as is dear brother John’s son Christpoher is: “Every day officers are called on to defend the weak, protect the innocent and maintain the peace.” “Evil still exists in this world. Our police officers are here to do God’s work.”
Archbishop John Myers of Newark
I’m not sure living life to the fullest sounds all that fun if I have to bungee jump or skydive.
It’s 7am and I have showered, read the catch, taken my pills and yelled at my daughter.
Think I’ll go to breakfast before I go to work. I was thinking oatmeal but now you got me thinking French Toast… Extra butter!
In a couple months I’ll be sailing.
I suppose we can confidently say in 2011 that “Christopher knows (more than) Christopher’s toes.” By God’s grace I suppose. (That final rhyme is why John writes songs and I don’t.) —
Christopher’s Toes
Words and Music by John Fischer
Christopher knows Christopher’s toes
He just found them today
Stuck in the air at the end of his chair
Ten little toes just waiting to play
It’s hard to believe that these little feet
Will walk into the next generation
May they be feet that bring the gospel of peace
To every situation
Christopher knows Christopher’s toes
He just found them today
Stuck in the air at the end of his chair
Ten little toes just waiting to play
Sometimes I shrink at the hopeless world
My helpless child must grow in
That’s why I pray
As I’m watching him play
That he might carry Christ in him
Christopher knows Christopher’s toes
He just found them today
Stuck in the air at the end of his chair
Ten little toes just waiting to play
——————–
“I like that song.”
“I do too, son. You know what I think? I think you’re terrific. I also think it’s time for you to go to sleep.”
“But I don’t want to.”
“I know, Christopher, but you have to get to sleep or you’ll be a horrible grouch all day tomorrow. Come on, roll over and I’ll scratch your back.”
“Watch out for my ‘spigeeto’ bites!”
“Okay, I’ll watch out for your mosquito bates.”
“But I don’t want to go to sleep, Papa.”
“You know what, son? Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do, but that doesn’t matter–we have to learn to do them anyway. Papa has lots of things he doesn’t want to do right now, too . . . lots of things . . .”
Praying protection for your son, Christopher.
Thank you so much.
I have some friends climbing Cotipaxi in Ecuador right now, raising funds for kids on the margins. Track them on the web (climbing4kids.org) and facebook
(climbing4kids). Adventureous and dangerous as well. Please keep them in prayer also.
My favorite quotes on courage / bravery:
A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow. ~Mary Anne Radmacher
Daredevil Christopher’s apprehension perhaps makes more sense than not:
My dad always said the idea of gambling in Vegas was no big thrill to him. He was a mechanical contractor and every time he submitted a bid he was risking everything he owned anyway. He gambled for real in his work life, why would he want to fly to Vegas to gamble for FUN??
Likewise, Christopher puts his life on the line everyday – for good reason.
Love the quotes. Thank you!
wanted to thank Lisa 4 this: “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher
I love that!