



‘Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer. I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest act’s of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camo’s, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering. When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for it hit me. I’m not alone. I’m not the only red blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families. Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal. Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He kneeled down and said “hi,” the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her. The young soldier, didn’t look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and asked what it was that she wanted to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, “I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you” He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying “your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.” The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looking around, there were very few dry eyes. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness, turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the day, it’s good to be an American.We are left in flood of tears and happy to be part of a country that knows how to pay respect to the soldiers. May God bless you for your service.
“As he floated past I thought he was just a doll. So, I reached out and grabbed him by the arm; even then I still thought it was just a doll. His face looked just like porcelain with his short hair wetted down, but then and he let out a little squeak and I thought, ‘Oh God, this is a baby and it’s alive.'”
“I don’t think my heart [beat] from hearing that to seeing him. I don’t think my heart worked.”
Jay and Kateri Schwandt welcomed their 14th child back in April. You already assume the couple was beyond happy with the newest addition to the family. Having 14 children make the days busy and and it never gets boring around. Large families are amazing, and this one is special because all of the children are boys.
The oldest son Tyler, is 25 years old, and the youngest, newborn Finley, has yet to hit his first birthday. And not only is Finley special because he is a 14th brother, but he has a very unique middle name.
Many were surprised with the parents’ decision to name their son Finley Sheboygan, but this attracted the attention of many and his story ended up in the news.
You can surely make guesses of what the meaning behind this name is, and before we reveal that to you, let us tell you more about this beautiful, large family.
They reveal how it’s like to be raising 14 children and talk about their daily routines as they open the doors to their home for the PEOPLE magazine.
“We feel like we’re unique parents. Obviously, very few people want to do this and very few people could do this and it’s just something we’re very comfortable with,” dad, Jay, says. “Everything we do, we do as a family and we just feel blessed that we’re able to do it.”
They live “in the woods” of Rockford and own several acres for the boys to grow and play. The house has 6 bedrooms and three and a half bathroom.
“If you’re the first person in the bathroom in the morning you’re in pretty good shape,” he says. “If we had all girls that would probably be a bigger issue!”
Some may assume they decided to have so many children because they were trying to have a girl, and that’s not far from the truth. They actually waited till the baby was born to learn its sex.
“We’ve got all boys, so it’s what we’re used to,” Jay says. “It would’ve been nice to have a girl, but we’re super excited to have another boy. Some of the boys were hoping for a little sister, and some were rooting for another brother. I was pulling for a girl.”
Now when it comes to the name, it was inspired by a fairy tale about a Native American chief who had many boys, just like the Schwandts. The chief believed his last child would be a girl, but when he learned they welcomed another boy, the chief named him Sheboygan for “she is a boy again.”
The family promises this is the last child, although it was exactly what they said before Finley was born.
Please SHARE this lovely story with your family and friends on Facebook.
Bored Daddy
Love and Peace
“This is a photo of our Tehachapi Wildland Fire Crew 11. Our crews have worked hundreds of hours to help battle the Thomas Fire. These firefighters work 24-hour shifts and are pushed to the point of exhaustion. Thank you, for your dedication and hard work to help the communities of Southern California.”These heroes are taking the much-needed nap with their uniforms on, and their helmets next to them just in case they need to get back and continue their heroic work. They are completely covered in soot and this is all they get before the duty calls again.
“A lot of times cash donations are better because they can actually utilize those dollars for specific needs rather than taking away some manpower.”If you’d like to make a financial contribution, TIME recommends donating to one of the following reputable organizations: AFF’s Disaster Relief Fund
“[Helps] firefighters who are working on the front lines and their families in a variety of ways, from financial to emotional support.”California Fire Foundation
“Provides support for firefighters and the families of those who have [passed] while at work.”CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation
“Provides funding for injured or fallen firefighters and their families, as well as burn victims.”If you are not in a position to donate money, a prayer and some nice words are always welcome.