Mary Helen Swinson Swift
November 1, 1942 – June 2, 2013
Dear Friends and Followers,
As many of you know, I have been acting as caregiver for my mother, who passed away early yesterday morning. It gives me great joy to say that her care was never a burden—about which she always worried—but an honor and privilege. I am grateful for the grace given me to have been there as she drew her final breath and left her physical body for the next step in her journey. We were more than close.
For the month of June, this blog will be on hiatus. I’ll be passing on this month’s IWSG post, but be sure to check my blogroll for the link list of the others. I’m also postponing the Progressive Book Club discussion of The Artist’s Way, pushing it back for a month, and will email those who have signed up with more details. This will also afford more time for others to join. We’ll be taking it over the course of three months.
I’ll be back in July, if for nothing else, the IWSG and the Book Club. Of course, I’ll be doing personal writings during this time, which will, if anything, be more appropriate to post on my other blog or written simply to work through some pain.
Thanks for all your support.
Peace,
ML Swift
M.L. Swift, Writer 
Prayers my friend.
I am so sorry for your loss Michael. Will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Susie
I sm very sorry to hear of your loss. You have written a lovely tribute to your Mum. You & your family are in my thoughts. Take time to adapt, it is a journey & none of us know just how long.
Best wishes
Julie
It’s a painful time and a time of joy that her struggle is done here and she has moved on to a greater place. My mom passed away about 6 months ago so I feel your sorrow. Take care of yourself, let grief in and take your own time to feel and think and write and be. You’re in my thoughts and prayers my friend.
hugs
Lexie
My sympathy for your loss. Heal well, my friend.
I am so sorry. Your mother was lucky to have you by her side. Thinking of you, and wishing I could give you a great big hug. Not that it would help any, just a way to let you know I care. ❤
Best wishes and many prayers. I am proud of you for the time that you devoted to your mom. That love that you showed her is wonderful, perfect and beautiful. I am sorry for your loss.
Anyone who followed your conversations knows what a concerned and caring son you were to your mother. Be at peace, Mike, knowing you gave your mother the greatest gift of all – time spent with you.
My thoughts are with you.
Michael, I am so sorry. Prayer for you and your family.
Oh, wow, Mike. I’m so sorry to hear about this. You’re a great son for caring for your mother the way you did. I’m sure you treasure that time with her. Hugs, my friend.
Dragon hugs, Mike. My thoughts and prayers with you, my heart with your heart.
My sincerest condolences, Mike. Big hugs. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
You have my sympathy and prayers, Mike.
Bless you… lots of love to you and your family ❤
My condolences. You mom was blessed to have a kid like you.
I am very sorry for your loss, Michael.
So very sorry to hear this news, Michael, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers with you and yours during this time…
-Jimmy
Peace, love, and comfort to soothe your heart and rest your soul. Many blessings to you and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I’m sending your family warm thoughts and prayers.
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Loss is always difficult. I lost my mother at the age of 19 years. My grandmother left this earth a few years later. They were all I had. I had been raised to believe that part of my journey was to give care to my elders at some point. They left before I could do this. I was blessed with two other elders coming into my life around 1991. They lived with my wife and I for many years. Betty was a friend of mine since 1978. I was able to complete my circle of life with them.
Like your mother, Betty worried overmuch about being a burden. She was a joy, and brought much warmth to our home. Grandma Yehle often made me laugh for she was a blunt spoken woman and had a unique take on life. Oh, the tales they both told!
You brought sunshine to your mother, and she in turn reflected the warmth back to you. Such love never leaves us. May your heart find a song to sing, and your eyes a rainbow to see.
Praying for you, Michael.
Glad you got to spend time with her before she passed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorry to hear Mike, sounds like you were a real comfort for her though and I know you must have a lot of emotions to work though. Take good care and be very very kind to yourself. We all care a lot about you buddy.
Praying that you remain constant with peace in your heart and that you will always have wonder family support. I’m sure you were a blessing to her and she was to you. God bless.
Thank you all for your kind words of sympathy and condolence. Although I didn’t respond at the time (I didn’t get online much during June), when I read them, they truly lifted my spirits.
I appreciate all my friends in the writing community. You are a special group.
Peace,
Mike