Tender law enforcement

I went to the Bedford County Sheriff's Department last night and saw a fine example of law enforcement too often overlooked amidst the flow of hard and violent crime.

Tender law enforcement often takes place and a prime example was taking place as I arrived.

Capt. Becky Hord, who is head of child abuse crimes in the department, was cuddling a tiny little girl just over a week old in her arms as she gently patted and talked softly to the baby.

The child's mother arrived only three or four minutes later. Becky gently handed the child over to her after a final few pats and soft words.

As the mother and her friends departed with the little child everyone could see the hint of tears in Becky's eyes.

Perhaps some of that was worry over the child going back and possibly being an innocent victim again.

Most of all it was sheer love of a little child being reflected in that hint of tears. I've seen it several times over the years.

Capt. Hord is known as a law enforcement officer who is extremely tough on anyone who abuses a child in any way and extremely tender and loving to the children.

As I drove back home the surging price of oil and the economy, ranting and raving of political opponents and things as trivial as the outcome of a sports event seemed unimportant.

Our world, if only for a few minutes, seemed a better place.

Thank you, Becky!