Jeff Harbeck (Mitch’s cousin and best friend)
Mitch Swaback was a guy who lived with no fear. No fear in life and no fear of death. He loved extreme sports and pushing it to the limit. Whether it was attempting a front or back flip while snowboarding off a huge jump we had just built, or dropping a 20-ft cliff in Jackson Hole, he was always the first to “hook it up”. I can remember a number of times we would be carving our way down some remote bowl and come to a stop when we noticed a drop up ahead. I would always want to go check out the landing, but Mitch would just check it out in mid air.
There was a reason Mitch lived with no fear. It was his rock solid faith in Christ Jesus. Many people can recall hearing Mitch say the words “I’m not worried about it; I know where I’m going”. “If it’s my time, it’s my time…God is in control.” You see, no one I have ever known has had more confidence in his faith in Jesus Christ than Mitch. Mitch’s spiritual gift was one of faith and anyone who really knew Mitch knew that.
Mitch was also my cousin, my brother, my best man, and my best friend. Words cannot describe what he meant to me in so many ways. No matter what I was going through or where in the world I was he was there to listen and love me. His loyalty as a friend was unparalleled. I often said if there was one person in the entire world I would want at my side in a dark alley it was Mitch. He was the kind of friend who would not hesitate to get in front of harms way for you. To say I will “miss him” does not even scratch the surface of loosing a brother like him.
Thankfully, Mitch has left me the greatest gift a best friend could have left. I have a daily reminder, from the example of Mitch’s life, that each day is a gift from God. More than ever, I realize that every day we have been given is precious. We should live each day glorifying the Lord in a bold way. One of the Foundation’s key verses, which was on Mitch’s computer, is Psalms 31:3, “For You are my rock and my fortress; and for Your Name’s sake you lead me and guide me.” This life is not about us and what we accomplish for ourselves, but rather how we choose to use the time we have to glorify Christ. Everything we have been given is from Him, and therefore it is His and should be used to glorify Him.
I have the confidence and promise that I will be reunited with my brother in heaven because of the truth in God’s word. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” Until that day I will continue to strive to live a life glorifying to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks, Mitch, and I will see you soon.
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