It's time dear Mama for you to leave the pen. And as you bravely put one foot in front of the other as you must begin anew ...
Please know you are still touching my soul in the way that only you can do.
So sail on my beautiful one ...
You and your little family that wasn't meant to be will always be with those of us who loved you ...
In our hearts and in our memories.
*edited to add for Sweet Terri who asked..
The gray one IS still alive and being kept elsewhere where the city has been raising it after they had to remove he/she from the pen when it got into something. The baby will NOT be returned to the mother as they said she will not know it as hers. The baby will be on its own.
Life is most precious sweet!
Eat in each day and fill my soul.
Not one moment's waste; not one second missed.
Spread my wings; feel the wind's lift; fly me away. - GMuse
Posted by: Gail | 05/31/2011 at 02:43 PM
thank you so much for responding Kim.... the little swan family that was not to be......brings tears to my eyes!!! I hope the baby will survive and bring beauty no matter which lake she is eventually on!!!! I am glad you shared with us... these little ones do have a way with us don't they??? Terri
Posted by: Terri D | 05/31/2011 at 03:12 PM
such a journey youve taken with these beautiful swans.
makes me sad that mama swan will swim away - alone.
but you shared so much in her life - and that im happy for.
:) linda
Posted by: linda moczan | 05/31/2011 at 03:16 PM
Dear Kim,
It is with a tear in my eye that I watch Mama Swan leave her pen and head back to the water...alone. I hope her little baby swan continues to do well and maybe will be placed in the water after it is older with the Mama. You know, at some point, we are all "empty nesters" and have to go on alone without our children. They go off to live elsewhere in the world sometimes...like the little baby swan. My younger child is in college now and my older son is living in Houston where he has a very wonderful career and a beautiful fiance. It was hard to see my older son move to Houston three years ago after six years of college at University of Florida. I miss being able to see him often. Sometimes, I have to go a few months between visits. But, I think all moms will agree that if your children are happy, you can be happy, too! It was also hard to see my younger son "leave the nest" for college...for the first time in 27 years, I did not have a child living at home. I am now an "empty nester" like Mama Swan...going back to living a life without little ones around me. I think Mama Swan somehow realizes that her little baby is off having it's own experience in the world...venturing out without her. Mama Swan will fluff her feathers, hold her majestic head up high, be proud of those little ones for the time she had them, and float on down the river of life...keeping those she loves in her heart---Just like we will... Love to you, Kim, and thank you soooooooo much for taking us on this wonderful journey with the swans. It has touched our hearts and souls, and we will never forget seeing the miracle of life that you brought us. (((((hugs))))) Kim
Posted by: Bluebirdsandbutterflies | 05/31/2011 at 03:54 PM
Kim, It breaks my heart to know that she is leaving the pen with no babies. I pray that she goes on to have a wonderful life she is sooo beautiful. Thank you Kim it has been a journey that I will never forget. (((Hugs))) Trish xox
Posted by: Trish Rowley | 05/31/2011 at 07:08 PM
it brings tears to my eyes - so real and one day i to will have to face the brave goodbyes with my son - don't want to think about it anymore - thank you for sharing the precious lifes i got to know thru the swan family kim, thanks again and thank you bluebirdsandbutterfiles for sharing whats yet to come -
God Bless You All -
love ya, maria - cottage feel -
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Posted by: maria | 05/31/2011 at 11:20 PM
Just want to DITTO what BluebirdsandButterflies said. I could not have said it any better. I to have children living far away and some days I just can hardly stand being away from them.
Thanks so much, I think I've said it before, Kim for sharing all your beautiful photos and taking us through your journey with the swans.
(((hugs)))
Alice from Arkansas
Posted by: Alice | 06/01/2011 at 09:57 AM
I read somewhere that swans remember those who are kind to them. My bet is that Mama will return next year and look for you to share her next hatchlings.
Posted by: Gail | 06/01/2011 at 07:45 PM