One-year-old Victor Fite doesn’t know how lucky he is. Maybe someday his father, Adam Fite, will tell him the story of how a sniper’s bullet came within a couple inches of leaving little Victor without a father. Going to the scene of burning cars used to be routine for Fite, a Maplewood police officer. By his estimation, he’s been to a couple dozen car fire calls in his career. Mostly, he would stand and watch or direct traffic away from the scene.

Not anymore. When the high-powered bullet ripped through his chest last week, Fite still hadn’t realized that the situation was anything but routine. It wasn’t until his legs wouldn’t hold him anymore that he knew his life had changed forever. Maybe Adam Fite will use this event as a lesson in life for little Victor. Maybe he’ll hold him a little closer, play with him a little longer, and not get as frustrated when Victor starts fussing. Maybe Adam will teach Victor how nothing is guaranteed in this life. And, as cliche as it sounds, he might tell him that he should appreciate each moment that he’s given.

Adam Fite will have lots of time to think about what he will do with the rest of his life while his wounds heal. Fortunately, he has a good family and lots of friends who will be there for him. He is very fortunate. And so is his son.