Dana Swann

My vision of this project is one of hope, inspiration, and storytelling. I want to share my story of life after love and death. Sometimes we feel that our life is over when we lose a spouse and I want to share that in many ways my life has just begun. I have done and am doing things that I never imagined or thought I had the strength to do but I am able to do so because I am living my life as my husband would have wanted - with faith and courage. Let’s talk about adventures: tandem jump at Florida Homestead Air Force Base with the Golden Knights; swimming with the dolphins; dog sledding in Minnesota; paddle board yoga on the Twin lake in Minnesota; traveled to Alaska to see the Iditorad race; snow ski lessons in Alaska; and rowing on the St. Charles River in Boston. I stepped out of my comfort zones many times and I have never looked back. These adventures were because of an organization called TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). We are our loved ones survivors and legacy holders so we must continue to live our best lives. My biggest and proudest achievement has been going back to school to get my degree! Jim believed in education (he held a Bachelors and Masters from the University of Texas at Austin) and I know that he is smiling down on me every step I take on this journey. The VA is paying for my school and not only will I graduate with two degrees - I will graduate almost debt free. Something that would not have been possible for me if not for Jim’s service to his country. I am BEYOND GRATEFUL. My message is of hope, love, and resilience and my message is of everlasting love! I have pictures to share of our wedding day, of Jim proudly standing with his plane that he flew in the Air/Force, and of the different events that I have participated in.