I just can’t post anything about being vibrant today in light of what’s going on around me. I live in Whitestown, Indiana, which is Boone County.

In about 30 minutes, the funeral procession for Boone County Sheriff’s Deputy Jacob Pickett will pass just one-half mile from my home.

Deputy Pickett was killed last Friday by a suspect fleeing from police. Deputy Pickett was only 34 years old and leaves behind a wife and two small boys.

I can’t imagine. My grandsons are 3, 5 and 8 years old. I can’t imagine what they’d be going through if they lost their Dads.

I can’t imagine what Deputy Pickett’s wife is going through. She is stronger than I am without a doubt.

I am thankful I still have my husband, Jeff. I am filled with gratitude for my life, his life and his supportive partnership.

Jeff’s brother is a police officer with the Toledo Police Department. We all know it’s extremely dangerous. He has a wife and two small girls. I can’t imagine how our entire family would deal with it if anything happened to him.

I’m pausing today to be thankful for all the women and men in this world who lay their lives on the line daily.

And now, I’ll be pausing to pay respect to Deputy Pickett’s family.