Invisible

For almost four hours, no one noticed I was back from vacation.

For almost four hours, I was able to be just like everyone else.

I was just another faceless officer, slogging away at myriad and nameless administrative tasks; quietly listening to voicemail messages and returning calls regarding emergent issues, sorting through weeks of mail, and trying to make sense of tiny, scattered pieces of other people's lives.

Without interruption, I completed a due report in less than 20 minutes. Without the shrill insistence of the phone, I signed and distributed items left for my review. Without the constant and tremendously annoying sound of my name being called over the PA system, I took stock of the damage done during my absence and formed a rudimentary repair and maintenance plan. Without the seemingly eternal stream of personnel wending their way through the cubicles to ask me questions, get my "opinion," implore me to run a record, screen a case, get a recommendation, sign off a training jacket bullet, or cover their duty or their time slot at the Career Fair, I wrote three case plans, issued a warrant, talked an addict into treatment, and empowered a parent.

For four glorious hours, I was allowed to do my job. How I've missed it!!!