I Love Swans

Once upon a time, a family of swans lived outside my home, and it doesn't seem that long ago.

Swan family near home

The swans would come to me, and I would feed them. One day, they didn't come —
and the next day, they had 5 babies!

Swans with babies

My grandkids loved to see them and to feed them.

Swans at river

In the beginning, we needed to go out to the swans —
it was too dangerous for the parents to bring their babies across the river.

Swan parents and babies

You could tell that they loved their children.

Children following mother swan

The children would follow Mother Swan around. Father Swan was there to protect them.

Friendly swans

They were just about the nicest swans I have ever seen!

Beautiful swans

Don't you agree?

Father swan and family

I especially loved Father Swan. He was my friend. He would bring his family just to see me.

Feeding swans

My husband would feed them.

Father swan eating

And Father Swan would eat out of my hand.

Last day with Father Swan

But July 17, 2005 was the last day I saw them together.

Swan tragedy

The next day, Father Swan was gunned down where he lived.

Mother Swan and children

Now it is just Mother Swan and her children, wandering the river,
looking for her dead husband. Watching, waiting — now forever alone.

Swans return

They still come to see me now and then.

Memories of Father Swan

But I really miss Father Swan. He was my friend.