Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

How Do You Live Your Dash? I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend he referred to the dates on his tombstone from the beginning.... to the end. He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth and now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own: The cars... the house.. the cash, what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard.. are things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can be rearranged. If we could slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.So, when your eulogy's being read with your life's actions to rehash.. would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash? I was eulogizing a gentleman the other day and was asked by his family to read this short poem, and I thought to myself how this would have to you Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. The point reaches home, exactly as you lived your life, in humbleness, love, compassion and the gentle and warmth that came from your being. Rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 24, 2012

To Everything There Is A Season, And To Every Purpose under the Heaven. This saying most definitely applies to my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. Rest in peace and one day we may learn the reasons for what Our Creator has planned for us.You had a plan for your future and followed through with it and your bravery and courage will never be forgotten.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 22, 2012

Time never diminishes respect. Lord, You know that I know myself that i am growing older, and will some day be old. Keep me from getting talkative, and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to try to straighten out everybody's affairs. Make me thoughtful, but not moody: helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all- but You know, Lord, that I want friends at the end.... Seal my lips to my many aches and pains- They are increasing, and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken.... Rest in peace my friend, neighbor and hero Officer Cook. These are powerful words to live by and words that you lived by during your extraordinary life and led as a shinning example for us all to follow.The humility you so often displayed, as was reflected on by a friend and classmate. Chief Geoff Jacobs, who said you were mature beyond your twenty-five years on Earth. I will always admire what you stood for on May 16, 1979 and all Dade County citizens should too. Leadership is found within an individual, they are not born to lead. Your ability to size up a situation, from from those I spoke to was outstanding as well as being able to pacify those who needed a calming voice of reason. Most of us would be humbled to sit with you in your company for a few precious moments and I wish we could have do so, but Our Creator had other plans. There is another saying: A man thinks and God laughs, as a Rabbi, I still am trying to ponder and figure out what this means, when I try to explain this to older people, where I lead services. God gives each of us tests, from A to Z, to see if we are making the world a better place as you did during your lifetime.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 19, 2012

In the previous reflection, I meant to say Officer Cook, you lived precisely by these words. You cared, shared and were there to serve and protect the citizens of Dade County and for this we need to be eternally grateful. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.I hope this reflection finds your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook and the rest of your wonderful family doing well.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 15, 2012

"A good will to which a man should cleave is to foresee the fruit of an action." every action is like a tree that bears fruits- good or bad. It is the prudent person who weighs the result of each action.During your life Officer Cook, you precisely by these words. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 12, 2012

Don't Quit When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, when the road you're trudging seems all uphill, when the funds are low and the debts are high, and you want to smile, but you have to sigh, when care is pressing you down a bit- rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is strange with its twists and turns, as every one of us sometimes learns, and many a person turns about when they might have won had they stuck it out, don't give up though the pace seems slow- you may succeed with another blow. Often the one struggling has given up when he might have captured the victor's cup: and he learned too late when the night came down, how close he was to the golden crown. Success is failure turned inside out- so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,- it's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook. We all know you were brave, devout, and courageous and would not go down easily. Watch and continue to patrol God's Heavenly beat above. I will forever miss you.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 10, 2012

Bite off more than you can chew: Then chew it. Plan more work than you can do: Then do it. Hitch your wagon to a star: Keep your seat. And there you are. Dream, plan, work and have faith in God. Officer Cook , my neighbor, friend and hero you accomplished this and so much more in your life. You were not afraid to take risks, and I understand you wanted to become a police officer when you were young. I just wish we had the chance to meet, but we know you are patrolling the streets of Heaven with your comrades who were not afraid to risk and dream to make this world a safer place for us all. This should be our gratitude to all of the fine men and women in law enforcement.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 7, 2012

There is a destiny that makes us brothers, No one goes his way alone: All that we send into the lives of others,Comes back into our own. I care not what his temples or the creeds, One thing holds firm and fast- That into his fateful heap of days and deeds, The soul of man is cast. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook, you were placed in this world to do good deeds and you surpassed all good people. God bless your soul, I'll never forget your sacrifice for us all.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

March 5, 2012

We must teach. We must learn. We must follow.The world we live in today Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero needs light if it is to survive and that light can come from each of us. The light and its beauty that was spread by you during your life will never be extinguished. I have said it many times and it bears repeating, I will never forget your gallantry, bravery and courage. Rest in peace Officer Cook. It is vital that we get along with one another.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 29, 2012

Today, I visited your grave Officer Cook. I started to cry, but I know that your soul is resting in peace, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 22, 2012

Every time we use the power of prayer to overcome a difficult situation, we enhance our awareness of God's magnitude. My family just experienced losing my mother-in-law, and we are trying to come to gripes with this and I'm still thinking about you my neighbor, friend and hero making the supreme sacrifice to make us safe. Rest in peace Officer Cook and I will always keep your family and mother Mrs. Julia Cook in my thoughts.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 21, 2012

Those we have truly loved, we will always love, and that which was deeply felt, we will always feel, remember, death can take all things save one. Love remains for love alone is forever. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 15, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Cook. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

February 14, 2012

If wisdom's ways you'll wisely seek, Five things observe with care: Of whom you speak, To whom you speak, And how and when and where. I am sure this philosophy sums up the life you lived by my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook. Rest in peace. I called your friend and old classmate, Geoff Jacobs who is Police Chief in Porterdale, Georgia. I am sure you would be proud of him and I am hoping to speak and possibly meet him in the near future. I would be honored, if he came to Florida to take him and visit your gravesite. I wanted to invite in a few weeks Gina and her family for a meal with my family.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 8, 2012

Officer Cook, I was kicking the soccer ball with your great-nephew, Legend. A very nice boy, and it was obvious that your niece, Gina and her family miss you greatly. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. Every man has three kinds of names. One given him by God. The name his parents give him and the one he acquires by his own labor during his lifetime. I'm certain you have exemplified this as you lived your life and your driven passion and desire to assist others. I will never forget you and to this day, I'm sorry I was never had the opportunity to meet you. Still, I hope to meet your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook, and sister Mrs. Nancy Tidwell and your nephew, Josh Hyatt.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 1, 2012

This morning I visited your grave Officer Cook and said a prayer for you. Now I have met Justin and Gina, Josh is the only one I have not had the pleasure of meeting. You really would be proud of your 2 great-nieces: Alexis and Skyler and Legend, your great- nephew. It made me happy to kick the soccer ball in the house where you grew up. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero, Officer Cook. I always will say prayers for your mom Mrs. Julia Cook. Gina told me last Sunday, that she is doing well out in San Diego.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 29, 2012

Yesterday, Mrs. Tidwell Nancy, I met your daughter, Gina Wilkerson for the first time. I had met your son Justin in September of 2010, while driving by in NMB where you and your brother Officer William Cook grew up. I went back a second time to your old neighborhood, I grew there too on NE 6th Ave. I bought doughnuts for your 3 grandchildren, was talking to them as Gina and Trevor were inside working. You have the sweetest grandchildren and Legend and I kicked a soccer ball for about 30 minutes in your parents backyard.. Your mom is doing well in San Diego, and I hope to one day meet you and your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook. I was a little emotional talking to Gina, and she understood. I wanted to invite her and her family to share a meal with my family and if you and your mom come to town, along with your sons I would love to meet them. Your mom at 95 God bless her took the time to write a very nice letter to me and appreciated that I visit your brother William's grave. His He would be very proud of Alexis, Skyler and Legend. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 23, 2012

Today Officer Cook, I finally met your niece, Mrs. Gina Wilkerson. She was getting your old home in NMB ready for rent. I also met her husband and her 3 kids, Alexis, Skyler and Legand. I went by the first time to introduce myself and then stopped and picked up doughnuts for the kids. I spent about an hour playing in the backyard with Legend, your five-year-old great nephew. A great kid with red hair and freckles. We kicked the soccer ball around. I broke down and cried remembering you. Gina understood how I felt Your. mom is doing great out in San Diego and Mrs. Cook you will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook.Mrs. Cook you have beautiful great-grandchildren.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 22, 2012

From the Book of Micah: It has been told thee, O man, what is good: and what the Lord does require of thee: Only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. These very powerful and poignant words that surely epitomize the life led by you and your family Officer Cook, my dear neighbor, friend and hero, rest in peace. Compassionate, caring, resourceful and very spiritual, along with humility as your upbringing by your parents, qualities we should all strive for each moment of our lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 16, 2012

From the Book of Micah: It has been told thee, O man, what is good: and what the Lord does require of thee: Only to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. These very powerful and poignant words surely epitomize the life led by you and your family Officer Cook, my dear neighbor, friend and hero, rest in peace. Compassionate, caring, resourceful and very spiritual, along with humility as your upbringing by your parents, qualities we should all strive for each moment of our lives.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 16, 2012

Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero Officer Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 15, 2012

Faith is not merely praying upon our knees at night: Faith is not merely straying through darkness into light: Faith is not merely waiting for glory that may be. Faith is the brave endeavor, the splendid enterprise, the strength to serve, whatever conditions may arise. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero, your unwavering faith, bravery and courage will surely never be forgotten, and of course your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 14, 2012

A few months ago, I wrote a letter to your high school friend Chief Geoff Jacobs, and told him I read about what happened to you. If I can make contact with him, now that he a Police Chief in Porterdale, Georgia, I would offer to meet him and drive him to visit your grave, Officer Cook. Rest in peace my neighbor, friend and hero.From Psalms 91: Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High, Abiding in the shadow of the Almighty, I call the Lord my refuge and my Fortress, I say: he is my God, in whom I trust. Thus says the Lord, Because you desire Me, I will deliver you: I will save you because of your love for me. When you call to Me, I will answer you. I will be with you in times of trouble. I will strengthen you and honor you: I will satisfy you with length of days. I will reveal to you My saving power. Powerful words, I am sure you and your family have lived your lives by.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 9, 2012

Last night Officer Cook I was in your house as your family is looking to rent it out. My wife was with me and I told her I would not cry. it was a bit difficult going inside, after what happened to you. I am not sure if we will rent it, but my family and I will always remember your bravery and courage that day. Rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero. I will always say a prayer for your mom, Mrs. Julia Cook.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 5, 2012

He prayeth best, who loveth best, all things both great and small; for the dear God who loveth us,He made and loveth all. We are all blind until we see that in the human plan nothing is worth the making if it doesn't make the man.rest in peace Officer Cook, my neighbor, friend and hero.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 2, 2012