Day 272: Emotional roller coaster

It is with a heavy heart that I learned today that a brave American soldier lost his 11 month battle against a sniper's shot to the neck. I have mentioned him in this blog before and I have been following his story for a while. I way really praying for him and his family, hoping he would continue his fight and pull through it all. He was the one I cried over a few days ago, but was told he was okay... and he was at the time, but his body was starting to slowly shut down. I was so relieved when I was told that he was okay, and then when I heard this today, I was again brought to tears. I know he is not feeling any pain now, but I am still sad for his family to have lost their hero. His wife and children, parents and friends, all lost an amazingly strong man though they will never forget him.

His wife has kept a Facebook page devoted to garnering support and prayers for her husband during his recovery. Her strength has amazed me since the first day I started reading their updates. I don't know if she will ever know the impact she had on so many. By sharing her story with so many of us, it has taught us to continue to be ever faithful no matter the situation, and to always be happy with what you have. She said today that she is trying not to be sad for what she doesn't have, but instead is happy that her husband made it home from the war and that they all got to spend this last 11 months, though hard, with him. It was a gift that she wouldn't have traded for anything. She knows we all have a path to lead, and she is leading it the best she can, with God's help. Now, she has another angel, strong and brave, to watch over her.

Rest in Peace SGT Jamie Jarboe. You are greatly missed and will never be forgotten. You are a true American hero, and you family will be well looked after by a grateful nation.