Today driving to my moms house from work, knowing that I had to write something down in this book finally, when I glanced to the setting sky. There was a flock of birds that looked very majestic against the clouds, right after that "When I look to the Sky" came on Pandora and I just smiled. Finding the right words to express myself has never been easy, especially with loss and sorrow, that is one of the why it has taken me so long to write in this guest book. Whether the song was just coincidence or if someway my dad wanted to give me some support, either way it was nice. It is still hard to believe that he passed away almost two years ago. So with his strength here we go..
My dad was one of the strongest people I knew. He was my rock. I knew I could always count on him, whether it was to coach because my friend and I begged him to since 'nobody else clearly had no idea what they were doing', or even to kill a bug at midnight even though he had a ridiculous 9pm bedtime. He was never to happy about being woke up to kill a bug though, yet he would do it. In life he pushed me to do better because he knew that I could. I never thanked him enough for many of the things that I took granted for. I just hope that he knew that I appreciated everything that he did.
It makes me sad that there are going to be +
so many things that he will be dearly missed. Not that he isn't messed everyday, but things like getting married and having kids will be tough with him not around. 
So to end this novel, all that is left to say is that life still goes on and we all have to live and create new memories. And while we make those memories, we can still keep my dad, Steve, in our hearts and keep his presence with us to give us strength and love when needed to carry on.

“Anyone can be a Dad but it takes someone special to be a Father” (Unknown). I was lucky enough to have one of those special fathers; one that taught me how to ride a bike,  how to play softball, drive a car, yelled at me for all those stupid teenage mistakes and one that watched me walk down the stage to earn my diploma. My dad was the best father any girl could ask for; he was with me for all the good times and the bad, he would bring out “Charlie” (horse) just to put a smile onmy face or throw a sock ball at me in the middle of the day for no reason at all. My father was my hero. He showed us what family really is, how to live, love and laugh the way you should. I know he is here with me every day; helping me coach my softball teams, glad to see me going back to school, and yelling at me for my stupid young adult mistakes but overall I know he is proud of me for all I have accomplished. It's been 723 days since I lost my hero; that's 24 months of not being able to hug him, that's 2 years of not seeing him and 2 long years of missing him. 
I love you dad and miss you bunches!!
Love Alisha (Your favorite child)

As the 2 year anniversary of Steve's passing approaches I find myself reflecting on many of the memories stored safely away.  So many good times, a few hard times and some sad times but whatever the “time” was, the most important thing is that we were in it together.  There were so many stages of our relationship, the young romance, the honeymooners, new parents, growing family craziness… the one stage that we were getting ready to enter was something we did look forward to – we did have our children young and we always thought that would give us time to live the adventurous traveling life that we couldn't afford before kids.  We were going to be young grandparents some day and love babysitting and being able to play with them.  We didn't get the chance to create those “growing old together” memories.  That really makes me sad.  I can't express the pain that can still consume me.  I don't know if this will ever fade.  I know the day-to-day gets easier but my ”Big Picture” is missing my Best Friend.  
Steve always told people that I “saved” him but the reality is that he “saved” me – Maybe we “Saved” each other and that's why it worked so well.  When I met him, I was a very shy and insecure 17 year old.  We started out as friends, although I knew he wanted more.  He tried for almost four months to get me to go out on a date with him before I finally said yes.  He was a very persistent man!  Once I surrendered, I gave him my heart forever.  He helped me become a stronger more confident woman.  I became someone who believed that I could do anything I set my mind to – this was something he would tell the kids and I all the time.  He would encourage me to stand up for myself and to use my voice.  He was my compass – always pointing in the direction of integrity, values and compassion.  He was always a great and dependable friend to all that knew him.  He was always first to lend a hand, a truck or some skillful welding.  He loved having his friends and family near him.  Our home was always the gathering place to celebrate Family, Friends and Traditions.  That's why our home is filled with so many warm and cherished memories.   His sense of humor was unlike any other.  He almost always had a smile to share and brighten your day and had the ability to make some silly stupid joke to make you laugh when you needed it most.  He loved life and all it had to offer.  He was always grateful and appreciated everything about his life and if he wanted more he would work hard until he achieved his goal.  
He had so many passions – he loved camping and being outdoors, he loved watching local sports and coaching his kids, he loved food – cooking, dinning out and eating (of course), he loved gardening, he loved making things out of steel, he enjoyed working on cars household projects, he was passionate about his job of 28 years at Crafco and he was so proud of his family AND his family is so proud of him.  He had such a positive impact on all of our lives and he is missed by so many – especially me.  My heart is still with him and there is a void where it used to be.  
Shortly after we had started dating, I gave Steve a 8 ½ x 11 photo of me.  I wrote to him on the back of the photo, here's what it read…



July 1986
To my Dearest Steve,
I love you!  I know we haven't known each other for very long but I know deep in my heart that I will always love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  I know that nobody can predict the future but I have a strong feeling about our relationship.  We have a lot in common; a few differences but I think we can deal with the small differences.
You're a very special person and I'm glad I can be with you.  You treat me wonderful and I am always happy when I'm with you.  When I am unhappy and I'm with you, you always seem to make everything alright.  I couldn't be happier with the decision I made.  I've never been happier in my life.  I love you very very much and I know that you love me.  I do want to spend the rest of my life with you.  I love you!
Love Always,
Teresa
P.S. You're So Sexy!!!

I feel bad that I have taken so long to do this.  Maybe it just wasn't so real if I avoided it.  Teresa, Alexis, Alisha & Joe, I have told you before that Steve is my hero.  He stayed strong and active long after most all of us would have given up.  He dealt with issues that no one should ever have to and he did so with dignity until the end.  I so admire him.  I also admire all of you for the strength you have all shown in dealing with your loss during these past months.  I know that Steve is beaming with pride at the way you have stood strong.  That is what he would have wanted.  I will never forget the night of Joe's graduation.  That is one of my fondest memories of Steve.  I will treasure that memory always.  I love you all and am always here for you.

May God's love comfort you all at this time.  An old friend of Ken's

We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Steve.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.   
The Holloran's

Teresa, Alexis, Alisha and Joe,
No words either written or spoken will ever take away the sense of loss that you feel right now but we wanted to share our condolences and thoughts with you. 
Steve was an attentive husband and father who lived for each and every one of you and devoted himself to your success. He was the epitome of a family man. As we look at the great young adults that each of you have become, we know that he did it right. 
As you move forward in life, remember that he is and will always be with you, guiding you and watching over you. 
We love you all!!

My hugs and prayers go out to Steve's family. I am sorry I only just found out about his passing. I grew up with Steve we attended Madison Rose Lane and Central High School togerher. He was a great guy back then. I am sure he loved his family more than life its self and your pictures here prove that. I know my words are of no comfort but had I not have just gotten out of the hospital myself I would have attended todays severices. Again I am so sorry for your loss and am saddened by it. Know he will live on forever in your hearts. 
Tami Painter

My condolences to the family. Steve was a wonderful neighbor and always so friendly when I would see him. Godspeed Mr. Swaine.  (2406 home)

I am so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I will always remember Steve as part of that â€œMan Huddleâ€ (or whatever I called it) on the third base fence line during all those softball games, Steve, Jim, John, Monty whoever else dared to join them. They all sat out there and just fed off each other, and God how they could make you laugh till tears poured down your face! Those are still some of my fondest memories, thank you; we will always remember Steve as fun hearted person and a devoted Dad! 
Dan, Martha, Kelsey and Karli

As Teresa's sister, Tracy's best friend, I have known the Swaines for 15 years. I have never met a more loving and caring family. I remember Steve best playing corn hole with his family, friends and all the kids and just enjoying life. Today we will celebrate his life. It is raining and in the Irish world, my Mom always said that if it rained at your funeral, it was truly a beautiful thing. It means that you have been received into Heaven by God, granted your wings and are now an Angel. I believe with all my heart and soul that this is true for Steve. When you look up at night and see the stars, know that Steve has left the porch light on for you. I love you all so much!

My deepest sympathy - may peace be with you all knowing he is no longer suffering and is waiting for you in Paradise.  God Bless

Teresa and family, no words can express the sorrow I'm feeling now. Steve was such a kind hearted person and I know he loved you dearly. 
My meromires take me back to one new years day when Steve and his friends came over to help me and my girlfriend move into our new apartment. If it wasnt  for his help it surely would of taken a day or two to complete the move. Steve arranged everything and we were able to get everything moved in one trip. 
He will be greatly missed! R. I. P Steve Swain

Teresa, life is shorter than we think and never comes at the time you want.  But Steve is in Heaven with our other family and friends that have gone before us.  When my father passed I never looked at the death process that close, but during his last day, he would wake up and begin to talk with friends and relatives that had gone before him.  I saw the smile on his face and it is not a scary time, but a time to rejoice as he has new spiritual body and no longer in pain or suffering, as cancer is a terrible disease.  But when anyone would asked him how he was doing, he would tell them "too good".  Pat and I send our prayers to you to keep loved ones close to you to keep you happy and smiling as this is what Steven would want you to do.  Love Tom and Pat Sumpter (Joshua's parents).

Many great memories over the years with our girls and our softball families. I always remember Steve quietly hanging out in the background helping hit fly balls or whatever coach needed; he was always there to lend a helping hand. Never had bad words about anyone and was just a an overall sweet loving guy!  I will cherish our softball family memories. I am so very sorry for all the pain you are going through.

Teresa, Alisha, and Family,

   We were sorry to hear of Steves' passing. Tori remembered that Steve actually did the entire Susan Groves workout with the players at Freestone up and down that hill.  I will always remember that sly smile and his sense of humor.  Great dad.  Best whiffle ball pitcher in Arizona. He will be truly missed.
Barry & Tori Franks

Teresa and family - So very sorry.  May Almighty God comfort you and bring you peace.

Teresa and Family 
We haven't known you all that long but what we did get to know of Steve he was a great guy  Loving Husband and Father May he rest in Peace and watch over you always <3

Dear Teresa and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Steve for over 18 yrs at Crafco. He was just an all around nice guy with a great sense of humor. He will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.

God looked around his Garden
And he found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your tired face
He put his arms around you
And lifted you to rest
God's garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best
He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again
He saw the road was getting rough
and the hills were hard to climb
So he closed your weary eyelids
and whispered "Peace be thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you
but you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
Dear Teresa & family,
So much heartache with your loss but always find comfort knowing that he is finally resting & at peace with no more pain & suffering.

Teresa and Family, 
Steve was more than my uncle, he was my second dad. Steve always knew how to make me cheer up, no matter what was going on. He always played softball with me at family events and horseshoe at the cabin. Steve was an amazing person!  I love and miss him some much.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

My condolences to the entire Swaine family. May God provide each of you with comfort, strength, & peace.

Teresa and Family,
I may have never had the pleasure to meet you, but I owe Steve a great deal within my life for giving me a chance working at Crafco. He went above and beyond to see that I was hired. He was a great man and I will forever be in debt. Prayers to your whole family, he will be missed greatly!

Teresa and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  I was reading the guest book and wow what a great husband and father Steve was. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
Patsy

Teresa, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Steve.  I know that the love of friends and family are there for you and the kids.  Anytime you or the kids need anything, we are always here.  All of you are in our prayers.

Kim, Tony and Jenny

heres a nother one,

teresa you my not no about this i dont know if we ever told you.remember when me and barb you and steve went camping up in payson buy the east verdie river,you girls were complaing about mosquitoes all night and when we woke the next moring the girls were bit all over,so me and steve went to the store and bought bug spray and off.we got back to camp and i grabed the off and stared to spray it on barb as i was spraying her i heard steve say cover your eye babe.i immediatly looked to see what i was spraying on barb i had the off.at this piont teresa had her hand over her eye while steve was spraying bug spray in her face.i called to steve to show him that i had the off.he looked at me and gave me the shooosh sign and stop grab the off out of my hands before she could see it.

John;o)

my cousin stevie, man i have lots of stories but i'm going to have to keep it pg lol,heres a good one me and matt had an apartment off 19 ave and missouri where there was this cute little blonde in the apartment straight across from us and steve was just nut about here but could never get the nerve to just go up and talk to her,needless to say steve was at are apartment all the time.one day we were sitting  watching football with the window open and that cute little blonde came out of the apartment with a basket full of laundry steve jumps up and start telling us that we need to do are laundry and right now.well of course we are in no way going to go do laundry insteaded of watching football.then steve bribed us and said the he would buy us a case of beer if we did.guess what we went and did laundry and he finely got to talk to that cute blonde across the way and married her. 

love your cousin and brother 

John

To Teresa and Family...I was so saddened to hear that your husband had lost his battle to Cancer..I remember when yah all came to the Post for your Mom's Birthday party 2 years ago..I just know that I am here for yah all..And you need anything at all please let me know..You have a wonderful family..I will keep yah all in my prayers and thoughts..May God Bless each and everyone of you...Love Weezie

Dear Teresa, I am so sorry to hear of Steve and am so sorry for your loss.
The deepness of love and commitment between you two always shone brightly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.  Love, Marcia and Dareld

My sincerest Love and Prayers to our Beloved Swaine Family. Teresa, may God give you added strength as He takes Steven in his Embrace.

Love, Ruth

Dear Teresa, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. Steve was one of the nicest men I ever met. What a great guy who would give you the shirt off his back. You and your whole family are in my prayers. Love Kathi

A fine man and a great father of some of the finest young people that I have had the pleasure to coach.  May our thoughts and prayers be with you at this time.  Coach Sullivan

My dearest Teresa, I am so sorry for your loss. My words are not adequate at a time like this to extend my heartfelt sympathy. I will keep Steve in my prayers as well as you and the kids. I send hugs and my love to you all. Your sister, Gwen.

OBITUARY

Steven Steve Kenneth Swaine

January 20, 1963 – January 20, 2013

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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