Gratitude

 Gratitude: A positive emotion or attitude in acknowledgment of a benefit that one has or will receive.

When I think of all the things that this country has to offer I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I overwhelmed because there are men and women that risk their lives every single day so that I can freely bask in the joy of our God, my husband, and children .  When I Look at this flag, it’s not just a flag that I see. It’s decades of selfless service.

Until today I have not had the words nor the strength to write this. I have been mourning the loss of a classmate, childhood friend, but more importantly a United States Soldier. It is because of the  selfless service of he and his colleagues that we benefit from the freedoms of this country.

We lost a soldier last week but more than that we lost a friend.  He dedicated his life to serving this country.I’m uncertain if he knowingly dedicated his life to enriching the lives of his friends and family; but he did. His smile was contagious. His laughter was comforting. His attitude was enlightening.  His service to this country is unforgettable. Jacob Gregory Swanson was loved and will be missed by many. Jake, Thank You  and God Speed.