The Blue Candle
Just a simple candle to remember
The times we used to have
Though we cannot touch your arm
We still can touch your heart
As you still touch ours.
Margaret Joy Swadling, known as Peg, was born in Coffs Harbour, NSW, in 1930, the youngest of four children to Roy Leonard and Bridget Teresa (nee Dillon).
She married her soul mate, Vince, and despite her numerous illnesses, they worked together most of her life, raising three children along the way. She was to be blessed with three grandchildren, before passing away at 51. Another two grandchildren came along after. Peg loved her family above all else, her children, her son in law and daughter in law, her grandchildren, and she would be so excited to know she has a grandson in law and two beautiful great grandchildren.
She adored children, loved to sing, loved being surrounded by family and friends, loved her garden, and was so proud of her Irish mother, who gave her her Irish background. Sadly, her mother died when Peg was just 11.
She was uncomplaining, courageous, and an inspiration to all.
Peg was my much loved mother.
For her and all our departed loved ones, I will light a blue candle on Christmas Eve.
The memory of your lovely Mum Peg, is in safe hands! How lucky was she to be a grandmother so young! Bridget Dillon was from Clare ?
ReplyDeleteThank you. I can remember the day I told her that she was to become a grandmother... she seemed about a foot taller as she drew herself up, reached out to embrace me, with the biggest smile and told me that was the best gift she had ever had... she'd been thinking of her Mum, who had died in her 41st year. Mum became a grandmother for the first time in her 41st year, the second time, two years later, the third, in her 51st year and died a few months later. So that baby and her two siblings only know her from family lore.
ReplyDeleteHer mother, Bridget Teresa Dillon, was born in "Clonboula, near Ennis" on 10th Feb, 1901.
A sad but inspiring remembrance Chris. Such treasured memories. I'm sure her grandchildren know how special she was from how you speak about her. A lovely idea of the blue candle -I need to go find one.
ReplyDeleteMy sweet daughter came to me and handed me a huge bouquet of the most beautiful flowers... just because. As I looked into her eyes, I saw the reflection of my mother... her kindness and caring lives on.
ReplyDeleteThe blue candle is very special to me... I light it Christmas Eve and special anniversaries... not that I need a reminder, rather it shows the light of love and remembrance shines still.
Such a beautiful remembrance Chris and expressed so lovingly. Thanks for sharing... Catherine
ReplyDeleteThank you, Catherine...
ReplyDelete