Author
Author – Victoria M. Newman
Welcome to my website! I'm so pleased that you've stopped by for a visit. It is my wish that you will find encouragement and understanding as a fellow law enforcement spouse. I began my cop wife life not realizing what we'd gotten ourselves into, and spent lots of time alone in a huge city where I knew no one. Many of you are in the same boat. Loneliness. Unknowns. Fear. They are parts of the LE family life.
Five weeks after my husband, Brent, and I were married, he entered the California Highway Patrol Academy. From that day forward, we were in for quite an adventure. His job has led us from the streets of Los Angeles to the foothills of gold rush history; from the garlic-scented farms of Gilroy to the suburbs of Sacramento (twice). Each place had its own personality, with different people and flavor of experience. We've made a lot of friends along the way, and have wonderful memories of each place.
Meanwhile, Brent and I brought four children into our family. Two girls, two boys – a good balance. I spent ten years homeschooling our kids in response to their individual needs academically and emotionally. I retired in May 2011, with the confidence that it was the best ten-year investment we ever made. Already, we are reaping the rewards as we see their young live progress. Currently we are caring for a beautiful college psychology major, a new Marine, a very smart high school sophomore who loves people, and a little league baseball player with big dreams.
The badge and all it represents has always been a significant part of our lives. We have lived alongside police officers all these years, going through the ups and downs together. About five years ago, we made a conscious decision to reach out to even more police families. Our department had seen an increase in the number of suicides and on-duty deaths, and opportunities presented themselves. It intensified after Brent took the helm of the CHP Academy. Through the partnership of other officers, wives and our EAP unit, we further developed programs designed to help new officers and their families understand what they will face as law enforcement, and give them some tools to utilize within their homes. It was during this time that the idea for my book was born.
Writing A CHiP on My Shoulder was a journey into the past and present of my marriage. I learned a lot along the way. I also have about 35 other families who were willing to share their struggles and triumphs as well. We understand the difficulties of the law enforcement career and its affect on our personal lives. I hope our vulnerability will comfort and inspire you in your own marriage.
Now Brent and I continue to come alongside other officers and their families through the good and the difficult. It isn't easy, and we all need a little help from time to time. My hope is that through the lessons I learn in my marriage and others, I can pass the wisdom on to you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Victoria
