Photo by Michael Förtsch on Unsplash

After you have seen what we have seen, day in and day out, you will understand why we are on the verge of losing our faith in humanity.

We still have hope there is kindness in the world. Yet, when you see husbands beating wives, kids being molested, friends murdering one another, and random people perpetuating violence on others just for the hell of it, you begin to lose faith.

We have witnessed some of the worst violence against others, and we have also been on the receiving end.

Yet, we say a prayer before our shift that the good Lord will protect us as we go out and serve our fellow man.

Most of you meet us on the worst day of your life when emotions are at an all-time high.

As we go about our day, striving to do our best in these horrific situations, instead of sending us hate and perpetuating the cycle of violence please do something for us.

Please try your utmost to do the right thing. Every human knows the difference between right and wrong, if only you would listen to that small voice that is deep within you.

It is whether you are willing to do what is best not only for yourself but for your community.

Each action you choose has the ability to either improve or destroy your life and the lives around you.

So, please choose wisely, because you are the butterfly and your actions are the effect.

— Nicole Barden 5/8/2021

Originally published in Illumination on Medium