Page 39 - July2019 FOP Magazine

LESSONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 38
for so long.”
If keeping their marriages afloat on
the lake seemed easy, couples were then asked to take a walk in the nearby park. Naturally, there was a catch. Each spouse took a turn being blindfolded while the other guided him or her safely through their surroundings.
“Just to see her trust the sound of my voice added strength to our marriage,” insisted Mark, who only used verbal cues to direct his wife. “Then, when it was my turn, I realized how much trust she had given me. It’s something when you know your partner has your back and you have your partner’s back.”
Mark knows how vital it is to have a strong marriage to come home to, espe- cially after working long, intense days as an evidence technician for the Cook County Medical Examiner. He also knows how challenging it can be to keep a lov- ing relationship central through a long career in law enforcement.
But Mark and the rest of the cou- ples who participated in the workshop learned what it takes to keep relation- ships strong through the long haul.
So, what’s the secret? There is none. It takes work. And when couples work on their connection at home, it eases the
Couples work on team building with a canoe ride on Lake Katherine.
stress associated with the job.
“The trouble is...a lot of police offi-
cers don’t want to reach out for help. This is something that no one should be ashamed of and everyone should take advantage of,” Mark said. “Not only did I feel like my marriage was rejuvenated, but my attitude toward work was rejuve- nated as well.”
39 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ JULY 2019