I won't post a photo of mine, as it is well scratched and well-worn. Fired thousands of times in practice and training. The wooden target grips are equally worn and dented from getting in and out of a patrol car untold thousands of times and hitting the steering wheel and the steel radio mount each time, and stained from the sweat and grime impressed in them from a death grip as it was pointed at countless felons, not knowing how it would end or if I would even be going home to my family. It was my only partner on many nights when the nearest backup was minutes away but the confrontation would be decided one way or the other in seconds. A few years back I gave it to my son who lives a thousand miles away, in the hopes it might serve him as well, and that he might appreciate both the legacy and the emotional sacrifice of such a priceless gift. So I will in quiet dignity insist mine is yet beautiful though I will not compare it to yours. Perhaps like a good wife of many years, who toiled unto exhaustion without complaint for you, defended you against all attacks, justified or not, supported you firmly but quietly in good times and bad, and now in the twilight years yet stands by your side. Battered and worn, but still every bit as beautiful.
