In Memory of Sawyer James Swanson

Hi, my name is Sawyer James Swanson. While it's not truly me writing this, at this time of deep sorrow, I would like to ask for your help in raising funds for my parents, Katie and Ryan Swanson, so they can focus on grieving without me and without worrying about unexpected medical expenses.

Please continue reading.

You see, I love my parents Katie and Ryan Swanson so much because I felt their love every day and I knew they really wanted me. I wanted to be with them too, but God had other plans for my life.

When my mom and dad found out they were pregnant with me, they were so excited. They loved me so much and I could feel it. Everything they did to prepare my world was amazing.

They waited nine months for my arrival. My bedroom was so special, and Mommy even wrote and published a book starring me. It is called Dear Sawyer. Daddy read to me in Mommy’s tummy every night before I was born, and Mommy would sing to me. I loved hearing their voices.

My birthday had arrived, and we were off to the hospital. I was finally going to meet them. Born on August 10th, 2023, at 8:13 AM in Greensburg, Indiana. I came into this world fighting. I weighed 8 lbs. 2 oz and was 23 inches long.

During my birth, something unexpected happened. Instead of being placed in my mommy and daddy's arms, I was quickly whisked away. Mommy and Daddy were so scared. I was unable to be with Mommy or Daddy for four hours after I was born. They were so sad. An ambulance drove me an hour away to a great big hospital in Indianapolis, and I got a special room in the NICU. The doctors were busy with me all day doing all kinds of tests.

As my first day was coming to an end, my body was getting tired. A woman came into the room and baptized me with water on my forehead. I could hear Mommy and Daddy sobbing, but I could feel how strong they were trying to be.

I am so sorry Mommy and Daddy, but I won’t be going home with you. God is taking me to His house. While I was going to sleep Mommy and Daddy read me the book “Dear Sawyer” and they sang our favorite family Scottish song “Bonnie Banks o’ Loch Lomond” to me.

17 hours after my birth, on August 11th, 2023, it was time for me to go to sleep. Mommy and Daddy cried as they held me tight, kissed me, and said their goodbyes. After I went home with the Lord, Mommy, and Daddy wrapped me in my handmade special Sawyer blanket and cuddled me. Please don’t cry, I thought. I will see you both again. Always remember “I was here” no matter how brief my time on this earth was. I know I was loved. We loved a lifetime in those few hours we were together as a family. I ask that all of you watch over my parents and bring them peace.

Love Sawyer James Swanson.

Your thoughtfulness and generosity would be greatly appreciated. Everyone who lovingly helps my parents will be sent a PDF copy of my Mommy's book titled, Dear Sawyer. The Aventures of Jovie and Paisley in the United Kingdom.