(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . In Michigan, Overwhelmed And Distraught Driver Asked Sheriff For Just One Thing To Help Him Through. [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.', 'Backgroundurl Avatar_Large', 'Nickname', 'Joined', 'Created_At', 'Story Count', 'N_Stories', 'Comment Count', 'N_Comments', 'Popular Tags'] Date: 2023-02-26 Deputy sheriff’s for Macomb County Sheriff's Office were called to a vehicle on Saturday February 4th, that was sitting on the side of the road, and from the callers description, the driver appeared to be asleep or passed out. But he wasn’t either He was talking with his mother, and was crying, as he was going through an emotional moment, and who better to speak to in moment such as this but your mom? Deputy Jacob Thorne arrived first, and found ‘Joe’…. Joe, whom the department has used to protect his real identity…. emotional but calm, and that Joe was headed to work and had to pull over because he was feeling down and just needed a break. He didn’t want to hurt himself. He was upset and had multiple stressful issues making him feel so overwhelmed as temporarily unable to continue his day. There was pain in his voice. Deputy Fred Parisek soon arrived as mandatory back-up. You see, all three men are military veterans, and as such have all gone through it, emotionally speaking. Early on, Deputy Thorne asked Joe if there was anything that he could do to make it better. Through his tears, Joe replied, “I could use a hug.” "I'll give you a hug. It seems like you got a lot going on man. It's ok," and gave him good strong one as Joe was able to release emotions and tears. For twenty minutes, the three exchanged stories and Joe was offered encouragement and helpful remedies and not only the phone numbers to multiple resources but both deputies wrote their personal numbers on the back of their cards in case Joe ever needed to talk to someone to "get through the times when he was feeling overwhelmed." Deputy Thorne made it clear afterwards that asking for help when you're emotional and vulnerable is a sign of strength, and not weakness. Said the Deputy, "I am a Marine Corp veteran and I've struggled through a lot of things and explaining that it doesn't make you less of a man to talk about your problems and everything, sometimes people just need to get that off their chest, it helps tremendously. When I came out of the military, I was only 23. I did three tours. It weighed so much on me losing friends. There’s things that happened to me when I was in the military and I wouldn’t talk about it because I thought it would make me less of a man. And once I got over it and talked, it relieved a lot of stress out of my life.” He told Joe that he talks often to his fellow vets, to his wife and on occasion, with professionals. “A hug goes a long way. It reassured me that things I went through years ago, when I saw that young man's face, I knew he was going through something similar to what I went through back in the day.” As he turned to leave Jacob said to Joe, "Alright brother?” "I appreciate it... it means a lot," was Joe’s reply. "If you ever need anything you just call, alright?" Deputy Thorne said. And the two exchanged one last hug before going about their day. Sure enough come Monday, Joe indeed did call both deputies. To thank them and let them know that he was okay, and that he would call them again if and when he was not. I can’t embed straightaway, but I urge you to watch the interview with Anderson Cooper here…. www.tiktok.com/… I don’t know what what would have happened if this took place elsewhere with other law enforcement officials, I don’t know what would have happened if Joe was black ( he was mixed race ), I don’t know so many things…. …. but I do know what happened in that county, on that road and on that day, the very best example of what it means ‘To Protect And Serve” was on full display and is the bar that all such encounters should strive for. Posted by the Macomb County Sheriff's Office, ‘We all have good days, bad days, and days that we feel we might not make it through. But you can. Never be afraid to reach out and make that phone call to hear a helpful voice on the other end. Macomb County Crisis Center can be reached 24/7 at 855-996-2264. We are proud to be the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. This is who WE are.’ And on that early morning, that indeed is who they were, and they did just that. "I have learned that there is more power in a good strong hug than in a thousand meaningful words" – Ann Hood But I'm strong Strong enough to carry him He ain't heavy, he's my brother … So on we go His welfare is of my concern No burden is he to bear We'll get there … For I know He would not encumber me He ain't heavy, he's my brother * [END] --- [1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/26/2154314/-In-Michigan-Overwhelmed-And-Distraught-Driver-Asked-Sheriff-For-Just-One-Thing-To-Help-Him-Through Published and (C) by Daily Kos Content appears here under this condition or license: Site content may be used for any purpose without permission unless otherwise specified. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/dailykos/