Family
On the morning of February 21, 1916, at 7:12am, a shell from a German Krupp 38-centimeter long-barreled gun, which was one of more than 1,200 weapons aimed at French forces along a 20-kilometer stretch of the Meuse River, hit a cathedral in Verdun, France. It is unknown if this was their target, but the destruction set off a chain reaction that marked the start of the longest battle of World War I. The Battle of Verdun was a grueling fight that would last 10 months. The war in France, in early 1916, stretching from the Swiss border to the English Channel, had turned into the treachery of trench warfare. While the conditions were harsh, Erich von Falkenhayn, the German army’s chief of staff, believed the path to victory wasn’t through battling Russia in the east, but by defeating the French in a decisive fight on the Western Front. So, they would just have to persevere in the trenches.
In December 1915, Falkenhayn persuaded the kaiser that despite opposition from other military leaders like Paul von Hindenburg, pairing unrestricted submarine warfare at sea with a major French defeat on land would drive the British, whom he considered the strongest of the Allies, out of the war. Falkenhayn’s planned offensive targeted the fortress city of Verdun, located on the Meuse River in France. Verdun was chosen not only for its symbolic value…it had been the last stronghold to fall in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but also because it could be attacked from three sides, making it a strategically appealing objective. In 1915, despite warnings about a possible German attack in the area, the French command began pulling heavy artillery from Verdun, a key element in defensive warfare. They chose instead to focus on an offensive strategy crafted by General Ferdinand Foch, head of the army’s prestigious War College, known as Plan XVII. As a result, when the Germans launched their attack on February 21, the French were caught largely unprepared.
Right from the start, the Battle of Verdun caused massive losses for both sides. Falkenhayn openly admitted that his goal wasn’t to seize the city quickly, but to wear down the French, even if it meant higher German casualties. Just four days into the bombardment along the Meuse, French front-line divisions had lost over 60 percent of their troops, with German losses nearly as severe. After some rapid German territorial advances, the battle ground to a halt, with heavy casualties piling up on both sides. The newly promoted French commander, Henri-Philippe Pétain, was set on dealing maximum damage to the German forces, famously vowing to his commander-in-chief, Joseph Joffre, “They shall not pass.”
By mid-1917, German forces were under intense strain, facing both a British-led push along the Somme and Russia’s Brusilov Offensive in the east. In July, the kaiser, frustrated with the situation at Verdun, replaced Falkenhayn, sending him to lead the 9th Army in Transylvania, while Paul von Hindenburg stepped into his role. Earlier in April, Petain had been succeeded by Robert Nivelle, who by early December had successfully led the 
recapture of much of their previously lost ground. Between December 15 and 18, the French captured 11,000 German prisoners, and on December 18, Hindenburg finally halted the German attacks after ten exhausting months. With German losses at 143,000 dead (out of 337,000 total casualties) and French losses at 162,440 dead (out of 377,231), Verdun came to epitomize the relentless, bloody grind of warfare on the Western Front during World War I.
If the United States were about to be hit by nuclear weapons, the hope would be that the government would issue a warning through the Emergency Broadcast System. The hope is that the warning would be followed by calm controlled adherence to the warning’s instructions. However, that system hasn’t always existed, and it hasn’t always been reliable. On February 20, 1971, a botched test caused over 40 minutes of widespread panic when people believed the country was under nuclear attack.
Since 1951, the United States has used TV and radio stations, and now, even cell phones, to broadcast emergency information. All of this began during the Cold War. It had been driven by fears of nuclear war. Tensions between the USSR and the United States grew, so defense officials developed a way not only to communicate with the public but also to confuse potential Soviet aircraft. Known as CONELRAD, it involved quickly shutting down most radio stations, then activating select ones to share civil defense updates, making it harder for enemy planes to use radio signals for navigation.
In 1963, the system was upgraded to the Emergency Broadcast System. It was designed for national emergencies and for sharing local updates about weather and natural disasters. In a nationwide crisis, an alert would go out from the National Warning Center inside NORAD, the aerospace defense hub buried deep in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs. Once triggered, the EBS was meant to let the president address the nation within 10 minutes…at least, that was the idea.
The system was tested every Saturday, but on one Saturday in 1971, a real message and not just a test came through the special teletype network in every radio and TV station. “Message authenticator: hatefulness, hatefulness,” it read. “This is an Emergency Action Notification (EAN) directed by the President. Normal broadcasting will stop immediately.”
The word “Hatefulness” matched the special daily code sent to broadcasters to confirm an emergency alert, and 
that at this time it was no drill. Broadcasters jumped into action, cutting into regular programming to read a federally mandated script explaining the interruption was at the government’s request. While the voices calmly directed listeners to tune into a station carrying news and updates, behind the scenes the mood was anything but calm. Variety noted that parts of the broadcast industry, and the nation, were in disarray. Some stations aired the announcement and went off the air as required, leaving listeners confused. Others didn’t catch the warning until it had already been cancelled, and some shut down without even broadcasting it.
Outside radio stations, chaos reigned. As expected, panicked listeners jammed the phone lines, desperate for answers, while others huddled around TV sets, bracing for grim news. With the Vietnam War raging, many feared the U.S. fight against Communism had tipped into nuclear conflict. Confused officials scrambled for information as calls flooded the Pentagon. When the warning center discovered the error, employees frantically hunted for the code word to stop the broadcasts, but it was nowhere to be found. Six attempts to cancel the message were made, and every single one failed. At last, over 40 minutes after the initial transmission, the Office of Civil Defense sent out a cancellation message with the correct code word, “impish” to broadcasters. The first big test, and failure, of the Emergency Broadcast System had ended. Programming returned to normal, and Americans collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
In the end, the Office of Civil Defense said an operator at the Cheyenne Mountain Complex, W.S. Eberhardt, had accidentally loaded the wrong tape. Broadcasters were livid. “The whole darn system won’t work,” one station worker told UPI. “They could’ve been dropping H-bombs on us.” The public was upset as well, realizing the nation’s primary communications system wasn’t as reliable as believed. “Could similar ‘human error’ here or in the Soviet Union…trigger American or Soviet weapons?” asked The New York Times, criticizing “incompetence and unpreparedness at every link of this vital chain.”
The disastrous test caused officials to revise how tests were conducted. They updated the wording, although radio stations could, and sometimes did, deliver it however they pleased, even as a song!! In 1997, the system 
received another upgrade, becoming the Emergency Alert System. On October 2, 2018, the government sent its first nationwide “Presidential Alert” to all cell phones.
Though the system has changed over time, one thing from the 1971 false alarm still lingers: the loud, screeching tones you hear during Emergency Alert System tests. Much like the sound of a modem sending data, these tones carry information to broadcasters, letting them know what’s going on and whether it’s a drill or a real emergency. Without the chaos of 1971, those safeguards might never have been put in place.
If you think modern dating is hard, you might want to consider how things used to be. During the Regency Era, with its strict, high-pressure style of courtship, finding a match in early 19th-century Britain wasn’t just about liking someone…it was a tightly orchestrated affair with a list of rules to follow. There were eight common rules that the couple had to follow, and they might surprise you!!
Strangely, in those years, at least for Britain’s elite, dating, or courting as it was called, was seasonal. So imagine that you couldn’t date unless Parliament was in session. In some places that was the case. Others used the time when the elite returned to their country estates. Other than that, courting was out of the question, or at least the beginning of courting was. It was during these times that parties, balls, and other gatherings were held, and people could be introduced. Young people had to know that they were courting the “right” kind of person. Families couldn’t be “embarrassed” by a child dating the wrong kind of person. It was paramount.
In those days, marriage often involved the transfer of property or family wealth, so men and women from the elite class typically had to get the approval of family members and friends before courting a potential partner. Imagine asking your siblings, or even cousins and friends if it was ok to go out with someone. Not only that, if someone found reasons not to approve or even to disapprove later, you were out of luck, whether they liked each other or not.
In those days, courting couples were not allowed to be alone together. In order to go on a date, a female chaperone, usually a friend or relative had to go along on the dates. And the outings were always in public. I don’t suppose a dark movie theater would qualify. Dates usually meant strolling through town or a garden, walking to and from church, or visiting a mutual acquaintance’s home for tea. The only real exception was 
sharing a meal at the woman’s family home, after which they might walk in the garden or stay up late talking, hoping for a stolen kiss. For those with less wealth, rules were looser, but the main concern either way was the risk of pregnancy.
In public, elite couples began by addressing each other with formal titles like Miss, Mr, Lord, or Lady. Using a first name was considered intimate, signaling a closer bond. In letters, couples often requested to move to more personal forms of address, progressing from “Miss X” to her given name and eventually to affectionate terms like “my dearest love.” Since in-person meetings weren’t always possible, many relied on letters. It was typically the man’s role to start a romantic correspondence, helping them learn more about one another and decide if they were suited for marriage. Letters were designed to exchange likes and dislikes, core values, and visions for a successful union. Letter-writing, however, was largely a privilege of the elite, as it was too costly for most ordinary people.
Engagement brought relaxed rules…a little. Once engaged, couples could exchange gifts to strengthen their bond. The gifts…romantic tokens…played a key role in deepening intimacy and moving the relationship toward marriage. Early in courtship, a man might give a woman sweet treats before progressing to more symbolic items like gloves, garters, or a ring. Some gifts, such as books with underlined passages, helped them learn about each other, while others…like flowers, snuffboxes, fine furs, or jeweled pieces…were more overtly romantic. If hoping for an invitation to dine at her family’s home, a man might send duck or pork. Women also gave tokens of affection, including handmade purses or waistcoats to show domestic skill, flowers like pressed violets symbolizing modesty and faithful love, or even locks of hair. Courtships usually lasted one to four years, with marriage following about a year after engagement. Strangely, they couples weren’t always exclusive, as both men and women might entertain multiple suitors. Length of the courtship mattered…too long and feelings might fade; too short and a couple risked being stuck for life with someone they couldn’t stand.
While storybooks make it seem so, not every courtship led to marriage. A match could fall apart due to differences in age, class, or religion, or simply because someone changed their mind or found a better prospect. Family pressures from either side could also bring things to an end. While men usually initiated the courtship, either person could call it off. If the courtship was broken off, it was expected that any letters or romantic gifts be returned, or at the very least, be tossed into the fire…to mark the official end of the relationship. While dating in any era is hard, some of the rules of the past were much more stringent than they are today.
As unusual holidays go, I would say that “Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day” is the most unusual I have ever heard of. Nevertheless, “Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day” is a real thin. Observed on February 18th each year, this lighthearted holiday commemorates a unique moment in aviation and agricultural history when a cow named Elm Farm Ollie took to the skies. The event happened on February 18, 1930, when the Guernsey cow became the first of her kind to fly in a fixed-wing aircraft. During the 72-mile trip from Bismarck to Saint Louis, Missouri, she was also milked mid-flight, marking a second historical first for both animals and aviation. Why, you might ask, was this important. Well, it really wasn’t, except to show that it could be done.
As part of the International Air Exposition in Saint Louis, organizers chose Elm Farm Ollie, also known as Nellie Jay, for her calm nature and impressive milk production. She was loaded onto a Ford Trimotor, a sturdy aircraft nicknamed the “Tin Goose,” piloted by Claude Sterling. The flight aimed to promote the air show and showcase the stability and potential of modern planes for transporting livestock. I would hate to have been the poor maintenance guy who was given the unpleasant task of cleaning up after this crazy event.
Although the mission was largely a publicity stunt, it also had a quirky scientific angle. Researchers were 
curious about how high altitudes and the vibrations of flight might impact a cow’s behavior and milk production. During the trip, Wisconsin dairyman Elsworth W Bunce did the milking, and Ollie yielded 24 quarts of milk. The milk was sealed in paper cartons, tied to tiny parachutes, and dropped from the plane to the crowd waiting below at the exposition. Of course, these days, such an event would be very unlikely, because the milk couldn’t be pasteurized or homogenized.
Nevertheless, this day celebrates the creativity and quirkiness that marked the early days of flight. In the 1930s, aviation was still new, and daring stunts like Ollie’s flight showed people that airplanes could be more than just risky machines…they could be reliable, adaptable tools. If a 1,000-pound cow could fly safely and calmly at high altitudes, then air travel was clearly dependable for almost any cargo or passenger. That success played a role in making air logistics a normal part of life.
The holiday is also a nod to the dairy industry and the resilience of farm animals. Elm Farm Ollie shot to national fame after her flight, earning the nickname “Sky Queen.” Thanks to the dedication of Wisconsin dairy fans, her story lives on, turning the anniversary into a day of celebration and historical appreciation. It’s a reminder that progress can stem from the most unusual experiments and that even the quirkiest ideas can change how people see the world. Elm Farm Ollie was a Guernsey cow known for producing rich, high-fat milk.
Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh was said to be among those who tasted the “air milk.” The Ford Trimotor used for the flight was considered one of the most dependable planes of its day. Ollie the cow lived another eight years on her farm after her brief brush with fame. To celebrate “Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day,” one might enjoy a tall glass of milk or a milkshake in honor of the “Sky Queen.” Those near a dairy farm or aviation museum can take a more hands-on approach to the holiday, and some fans even throw small parties to share the tale of Ollie and her 24 quarts of milk dropped by parachute. For those who enjoy the creative side of the holiday, writing a poem or sketching a flying cow is a fun tradition. It’s a day for sharing laughs over one of history’s quirkiest milestones.
Ahhh!! The aroma of freshly baked bread. It’s enough to make your mouth water. At least these days. Not so much in ancient Greece. Personally, I can’t imagine not enjoying the smell of baking bread, but in ancient Greece, I don’t suppose anyone took real notice of it. That’s because in those days, in Greece, bread slices were used only as napkins!! It seems incredulous, but due to the communal nature of their meals, where hands were used to eat that was exactly what bread was used for. The practice, called apomagdalia, involved tearing off small pieces of dough, rolling and kneading them at the table to clean fingers after a meal. Far from being wasteful, these used dough bits were often fed to dogs or tossed to the poor, who I’m sure were thankful, but…gross!! Nevertheless, the practice minimized waste and, it did feed the poor, so there is that. Eventually, someone decided to give the bread a try, I guess, because it later graduated to being eaten by the diners themselves, with added a sustainable layer to the dining ritual.
These days, we would think it rude to eat most foods with our hands, but back then it was uncommon to eat with utensils, and in fact there weren’t any utensils. Eating with your hand when it’s a hamburger or chicken wings seems normal to us, but to eat something like spaghetti or beef stew with your hands would be really messy. Nevertheless, if they wanted to eat, they made do. Later when the bread became a part of the meal, it was used to slop up any gravy or juice to clean up the plate. That practice has been seen in many a Western movie. I guess that as napkins go, bread was the tastiest, provided the cook knew how to make good bread.
Later, the Romans introduced cloth napkins, which eventually evolved into the modern version we use today. For a time, even before the napkin, the tablecloth was used as a communal napkin. That almost seems even 
stranger to me. I love my tablecloths, and to think of people wiping their messy hands on them makes me cringe. Maybe I wasn’t alone in that thought. After all, the Romans decided on actual napkins and moved away from the tablecloth. In my opinion the best napkins are made of paper, then they don’t even require washing. And to bring the world bad to sanity, the bread is no longer used as a napkin, but rather as a food. Imagine getting up in the morning to bake bread, only to have people wipe their hands with it. That is a crazy idea.
Back in high school, I met the man who would become the love of my life. From that moment, I knew no one else could ever compare to him. Bob is my soulmate…the missing piece that makes me whole. I can’t imagine life without him. He’s the father of my children, my confidant, and, most importantly, my best friend.
Bob and I married young…I was almost 19, and he was 20. Many might say we were lucky, but honestly, it was hard work that helped us beat the odds. Marriage isn’t easy. When you’re young, it’s easy to believe it’s all hearts and flowers, but if you can’t handle the rough patches, those sweet moments won’t last. We’re both stubborn and hate to lose, and I think that determination carried us through the tough times. Eventually, it became second nature…we just knew our love would survive the hard days and endure through the years.
I can’t imagine how different life would be if we had never met, and I’m grateful I never had to find out. We’ve faced tough times, like the challenges of caregiving we’ve dealt with over the years, but I believe we’re exactly where we’re meant to be. If we weren’t together, I don’t know where those we care for would have been. You never really know how your spouse will step up to care for your parents until that moment arrives, and not everyone can manage that role for their own parents, let alone in-laws. I’m thankful Bob was there to grow old with me, and that I could be there for him through those hard moments.
So much has changed as we’ve grown from love-struck kids to parents and then grandparents. Looking back on 
all we’ve shared, I realize that while there were challenges along the way, the richness of our life together far outweighs those brief, harder moments. I wouldn’t trade a single second for any other kind of life. I’ve taken this journey with the man I love, and I’m so thankful God brought us together. He knew what was best for us and that this would be the love of our lives. Happy Valentine’s Day, sweetheart!! Thank you for making my life’s journey so rich. I will always love you and thank God for you!!
War is a terrible thing, but there are moments throughout history that show a side of war mixed with a bit of humanity…even when things are looking bleak. This happened with the Liechtenstein army. Liechtenstein is the fourth smallest country in Europe, and it is the sixth smallest country in the world. While the country would seem vulnerable, Liechtenstein has managed to stay neutral during many wars, even the two world wars. Interestingly, they didn’t even have an army when they banned the Nazi party from their country, having disbanded their army in 1868. It made sense, since their last deployment was in 1866. That task was to guard the Brenner Pass between Austria and Italy. That deployment was remarkable for many reasons, as they never lost a battle or suffered any casualties. While that was remarkable, even more remarkable was the fact that they left with a force of 80 men and returned with 81, having made a new friend while defending the pass. While it’s unclear who this person was, some say an Austrian liaison officer joined the group on the way back, while others claim it was an Italian farmer. It remains one of the most amusing historical tidbits ever.
The German Confederation dissolved in 1866, and due to its unpopularity and the rising costs of upkeep, Liechtenstein disbanded its 80-man army on February 12, 1868, declaring permanent neutrality. In 1893, former soldiers formed a veterans’ association, which had 141 members by 1896. The last surviving member, Andreas Kieber, passed away in 1939 at the age of 94.
Liechtenstein’s military history goes back to its earlier days as the County of Vaduz and the Lordship of Schellenberg. Once the country got rid of its army, it has never had one again. Still, the constitution requires citizens to defend the nation if there’s an external threat, and the army can be brought back if needed. What amazes me the most about this country without an army is that they stood up to the Nazis with no army. Far bigger nations fell to the Nazis, and they had an army too, but it didn’t matter. I suppose Hitler might have 
decided that the tiny nation of Lichtenstein wasn’t worth conquering, but then again, it should have been easy to just incorporate it into his masterplan. Nevertheless, when the nation banned the Nazis, they left and that was the end of it. I don’t think it is often advisable for a nation to disband its army, but in this case, it has worked out fine.
In this modern era, we take hospitals for granted, expecting to see at least one in every town of sustainable size. The first hospital in not only the Colonies, but in the Americas, is Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751 by Dr Thomas Bond and Benjamin Franklin. Pennsylvania Hospital was founded to care for the sick, poor, and mentally ill who roamed the streets of Philadelphia. As the city grew rapidly, the need for organized medical care became urgent. Inspired by his time in European hospitals, Dr Thomas Bond imagined a place where anyone could receive medical help, no matter their financial means. In full agreement with Dr Bond, Benjamin Franklin, a well-known civic leader, played a key role in raising the funds to build the hospital.
The founding of Pennsylvania Hospital was a major milestone in the history of healthcare in the Americas. As the first institution devoted to caring for those in need, it set the stage for future medical facilities across the continent. Quickly becoming a beacon of hope, it offered everything from surgeries to mental health care and played a key role in shaping how healthcare was delivered in the United States. On May 11, 1751, the Pennsylvania legislature granted a charter to establish a hospital “to care for the sick, poor, and insane who wandered the streets of Philadelphia,” according to the history of Pennsylvania Hospital. Founded by Benjamin Franklin and Dr Thomas Bond, Pennsylvania Hospital has been the backdrop for many of the nation’s “firsts,” along with numerous other significant medical, historical, and cultural achievements. Chosen by Franklin and Bond, as the official seal was the story of the Good Samaritan. The seal reading, “Take Care of Him and I will repay Thee” ushers in a new attitude of social responsibility. In 1752, a temporary hospital is opened in a house on High (Market) Street and Elizabeth Gardner. A Quaker widow was appointed matron.
In 1755, Franklin wrote the inscription for the cornerstone of the East Wing, laid at the hospital’s current site at 8th and Pine on land the hospital purchased. Patients began being admitted the following year, in 1756. Over 
the years, Pennsylvania Hospital has grown and adapted, staying true to its mission of offering accessible and fair healthcare. Its original values of compassion and innovation still shape the medical field today, highlighting the importance of caring for everyone in need. The Pennsylvania Hospital, founded in 1751, is known as the first hospital in the Americas, and it also set the stage for modern healthcare practices and institutions in the area.
My sister, Allyn Hadlock is the youngest of my siblings, and very devoted to her family. Her kids can’t say enough complimentary things about their mom. Her daughter, Lindsay says, “Is she a great mom and grandma?! The best! We love her so much. She is always there for us-rain or shine! What a faithful example she is to us all. She loves the Lord and instilled that same love in us. That’s the greatest gift. One thing that she makes time for every weekday-is a morning phone call from Mackenzie. Mackenzie loves that special time to get to talk to her!” Allyn has spent time with Mackenzie in a “babysitting” capacity, although Mackenzie barely needs a babysitter anymore. Nevertheless, whenever Mackenzie’s parents, Lindsay and Shannon Moore have to go out of town, Allyn loads up her computer and makes the trip to Laramie, and they spend precious time together. Allyn’s ability to mover her virtual office to Lindsay’s house and to her daughter, Jessi Sawdon’s house in Cheyenne when the girls need a babysitter for their daughters Mackenzie and Adelaide had been a great blessing. Sometimes travel without the kids in needed, and having a caregiver available is wonderful.
Allyn’s daughter Kellie Thompson says, “She is the best mom in the world!! She is always taking care of 
everyone and making sure we have what we need!! She spent so much time during the wedding (Kellie and husband Tim Thompson were married June 28, 2025) making sure that the flowers and decorations were perfect! She was always right there helping me pick everything out and making me feel so incredibly special! She wanted me to have EVERYTHING I wanted! She is hilarious and kind and generous 24:7 and that’s an understatement! She is so excited about baby girl Thompson (due June 8, 2026) and helping me and giving advice and being there for me every step of the way and I couldn’t ask for a better mom, role model and friend! She is so strong in her faith, and she has made sure that she is creating a legacy of faith our entire lives!” The planning of Kellie’s wedding, and the wedding of her other children was a special time in Allyn’s life. She has fully enjoyed every part of her children’s lives, with weddings and babies the highlights.
Allyn’s husband, Chris Hadlock decided to take Allyn on a wonderful birthday vacation to Marco Island, Florida, and they have had an awesome time. They stayed at a beautiful hotel on one of the upper floors, so they had an amazing view of the water. They took several walks along the beach, enjoying the abundance of seashells 
that washed up with every tide and the sunsets in the evenings. They took an airboat ride through the Everglades, and saw lots of wildlife, birds and of course, alligators. Then they went through Fort Meyers and saw some of the remaining hurricane damage. That was sad. They took a shelling, birding dolphin boat tour and especially enjoyed the way the dolphins “played” with the boat. The hotel even had a Superbowl Party, which was fun…even though their teams weren’t playing. They even played some miniature golf. They enjoyed the trip immensely, and I’m sure they wish it could last a bit longer, but they head home tomorrow, after a great birthday week. Today is Allyn’s birthday. Happy birthday Allyn!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
My grandnephew, Jake Harman has always been a “big kid at heart” as his wife Melanie told me…not that she had to tell me that. Anyone who knows Jake knows that about him. Jake loves playing with his babies, Alice, Izabella, and Jaxx, as well as his nephew, Nathaniel all the time! Jake can often be found tossing the children around, chasing them, and making them giggle and scream with happiness. Melanie tells me that he is an amazing dad and uncle, and “loves them all with his whole heart.” I think anyone who knows him knows that is true. Jake is the kind of “kid at heart” dad who doesn’t mind the fact that “peace and quiet” rarely prevail in his home.
Of her husband, Melanie says, “He is an amazing husband that 
reminds me every day of how beautiful I am and how much he needs me and loves me. I couldn’t ask for anything better than this man that I have now in my life. I love his excitement with certain games he gets and plays or when he gets a new sword or an ax of some kind to add to his collection! His imagination is so amazing, and I love how he comes up with songs and stories that he loves to tell me! It’s truly amazing to be around him and watch him every day! And every day I do it with a smile in my heart!” I couldn’t have expressed her feelings anywhere near as perfectly as Melanie did, but then Melanie knows Jake better than anyone on Earth, and she loves him forever and always.
Jake always seems to be the face of positivity. No matter what things are going on in his life, he stays positive. When Jake and his sister, Siara Kirk were little kids, he was always there for her. They were the best of friends, and while they are both married now…to their best friends, they are also best friends with each other too. That is something that will never change. Jake was always protective of his little sister, and now he is the same way with his nephew. Jake is a very family-oriented guy, and the love he feels for his family runs deep. He has grown into a great man, and his family is very proud of him. Today is Jake’s birthday. Happy birthday Jake!! Have a great day!! We love you!!
