FALLEN RAIDER JOHN SWEENEY
Dear Friends,
My dad passed away at 3:45 pm MST, August 15th at 90 and 1/2. It was the
most peaceful passing I could have been a part of or asked for him. I
am blessed to have been there with him to experience his passing this
way. My brother, John Jr. and I were on each side of him, holding his
hands, as he took his last breath. He had the strongest spirit; it was
that Marine Corps training for sure that played a big part. I was so grateful
to have had him for 60 years of my life; so very grateful.
Knowing my mom and dad are together again and now with God gives me my
own kind of peace and I can now hold them both in my heart.
What a life my dad led...an unbelievable 26 year career in the Marine
Corps that gave him lasting friendships for the rest of his life, a beautiful
wife and mom and 4 kids that adored him and
were so proud of him. He lived his life with class and integrity and went
out with all that and so much more. Kris, John, Helen Mary and I are the
people we are because of how we were raised by mom and dad. He was a man
that knew no strangers, a man who was always ready to lend a helping hand,
to give of his heart and always quick with a smile and a twinkle in those
Irish blue eyes. The twinkle may be gone but his spirit lives on in me.
It is this spirit
and his strength that will help propel me on down life's path.
This Irish Proverb was one of dad's favorites and pretty much sums up
the process we experienced with him these past few days....
Without sorrow,
the heart would never learn the meaning of joy,
Without tears,
our eyes would never see what we hold inside.
Without darkness,
we would have no reason to look to the light of
heaven.
Thank you so very much for your warm thoughts and prayers as we make our
way through the days ahead.
With love and Hand over Heart,
Kate, Kristine, John Jr. and Helen Mary
(our youngest sister with down syndrome)
John Sweeney- 1st Raider Battalion
|
