A New Beginning

Last night, my father passed away.  He had been ill with congestive heart failure but he was in a convalescent home for rehab in order to regain enough strength to come home. When I saw him yesterday morning he was very weak and whispered to me he was tired.  I sat with him for quite a while then went home to rest after he fell asleep and returned a few hour later.  By then he couldn't speak at all but I could see in his eyes he was failing.  I prayed the Lord's prayer, held his hand and just sat with him.  After an hour or so, I decided to go home, which is five minutes away.  I kissed his forehead and told him I loved him and that I would see him tomorrow.  He bunched up his fist and patted his heart.  I knew he was saying he loved me too.  When I pulled into our driveway, my husband was waiting.  The facility called and said right after I left the room he took his last breath. 


His rapid decline was unexpected but I truly believe he was tired and wanted to join my mother in heaven, who passed two years ago this month.  I am still in shock, but so grateful that he didn't suffer and that he and my mom were living with us for their twilight years.  They may not be with me physically, but I carry so many cherished memories and know they are holding hands and both watching over me.


My dad was an incredibly loving, generous and humble man who loved God, his family and friends and his country.  I have always been so very proud to be his daughter.  He loved me unconditionally and as adults, I considered him my father and best friend.  I will miss the special times we spent together and I ache when I see his empty room, but I know he's with Jesus and my mom, and that brings me great comfort. 


I love you dad, give mom a hug for me and know I could not have asked for better parents.

 

 

 

 

 

Harold Clayton Swear reunited with the love of his life, Helen on February 24, 2016 while listening to his favorite honkytonk music at the Paloma Health Care Center in Vista, CA.  He was born on May 2, 1928 in Marrero, Louisiana to George and Coma Swear.  He served in the United States Air Force for twenty years and was the last active military person at Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington.  He retired after the closure of the base and then managed the base housing for the Grant County Housing Authority for twenty years as well as working side by side with Helen as owners of Casey Music. He met his wife of 62 years while he was stationed at Larson Air Force Base, Moses Lake, WA and married on March 10, 1951. His military life included assignments at Larson AFB, Bentwaters AFB – England, Mountain Home AFB – Mountain Home – ID, Bermuda, Nouasseur AFB – Morocco, Francis E. Warren AFB – Cheyenne, WY, and a return to Larson AFB.

After retirement, Harold and Helen relocated to Las Vegas, NV in the early 90's where they entertained and played tour-guide to many of their family and friends. In 2012 they relocated to their daughter's home in Vista, CA due to declining health.


He is survived and will be dearly missed by daughter Patti (Michael) of Vista, CA; brother, Raymond Swear of Vista, CA; daughter Diane (Luis) Cerna of Hutto, TX; grandson Robert (Shannan) Cleghorn and great-granddaughters (MaKenzee and Madalynn) of Muir, MI; granddaughter Corrie Nesbitt (Travis) and great-granddaughters Adalynn and Avery of Murrieta, CA; grandson John Cerna and great-grandsons (Andrew, Zachary and Marcus) of Arlington, WA; Corey (Michael) Branum and great-grandsons (Dennen and Merrick) of Spokane, WA and Jillian (Richard) Thomas and great-granddaughters (Isabel and Madaline) of Wales; two “adopted” daughters Sharon (Jeff) Zornes and grandson Thomas in Stafford, VA and Kerrie Long of Sydney, Australia; and “adopted” son Dick Rye (Sharon) their children and grandchildren,  plus cousins, nieces, nephews and a multitude of friends he considered family. Welcoming him at the gates of Heaven along with Helen and his parents – were brothers Bennard, John, George and Edwin, sister Dorothy (Wolfe) Swear and three special angels.


At his request, no services will be held. The family requests donations be made in his name to the charity of your choice.

Who is Waging the War on Women?

Below is a letter to the editor of the San Diego Union Tribune.  Being a liberal newspaper that has rejected other commentary in the past, I was pleased (and surprised) to see my recent submission in print. 


On March 2, the Supreme Court will hear Whole Woman’s Health v Hellerstedt, to determine if states can regulate abortion clinics and require doctors to have hospital admitting privileges.     

The plaintiffs aren't worried about women’s health, but about clinics closing. They filed a brief from 113 female lawyers claiming access to abortion allowed them to fulfill career goals carrying no regret. My regret drove me into depression and alcoholism, resulting in leaving the career for which I sacrificed two children. I am one of 5,978 men and women who have publicly shared abortion regret through Silent No More Awareness.   

However, this case is not about regret or saving lives of the preborn. It’s about saving the lives of those choosing to abort.  According to the CDC, from 1973-2010, 421 women have died as a result of legal abortion. Those fighting common-sense regulations are the ones waging the war on women.

Patti J. Smith

Vista, CA
San Diego Regional Coordinator – Silent No More Awareness Campaign

 

A Tribute to My Mom

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of my mother's death. 

I want to share a poem I wrote that day in memory of her as well my two children lost through abortion (Matthew Thomas and Sarah Catherine) and one from miscarriage (Richard Martel).

I Think of You Every Day ~ I Love You!