Jesus Christ makes things okay… even when they’re not.
This has been my mantra, my lifeline, and my comfort for the past couple of years.
Halloween in pre-school: a lop-eared bunny.
On Christmas eve, our oldest daughter, Jennifer Robin DeFord, died. We watched her slip quietly away as we shared one of her favorite family traditions–listening to Dickens’s “Christmas Carol.” It was fitting and appropriate for our holiday-loving girl. Thanks to some wonderful hospice people, it was peaceful and painless.
Robin fought a hard fight with ovarian cancer.
If you are a woman, or if there are women you care for in your life, please be aware that ovarian cancer can masquerade as many other things, and because it is very difficult to diagnose it is often diagnosed far too late. There is good information here:
Halloween in 2013: Psy, of course!
We are very grateful for the 42 years we had with our girl. She was fun and kind and a joy to be around.
There will be no formal funeral, per her wishes. Any comments you would like to leave below will be greatly appreciated, though I probably won’t be up to responding to them.
Robin was a great believer in humanitarian efforts. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation to the LDS Charities Humanitarian Fund, or to Hamlett Spay and Neuter Clinic, a non-profit clinic where Robin worked for many years.
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Sally this is so late I’m not sure you’ll receive it, but I just found out about Robin’s death and I wanted to reach out. I loved Robin dearly as a friend and as a colleague when she worked at Hamlett. I’m grateful for our few shared meals and for the opportunity to care for Robin’s little dog during her illness. I moved from the area in the spring of 2022 and unfortunately lost track of her in the chaos. Please accept my very sincere condolences at her loss. I’ve known this pain for many years very personally.
In His grip. V
Dearest V, I’m so sorry you didn’t know. You were such a support to her during those years. It’s impossible to express how much my husband and I both appreciate your concern for her (and for Hiko!) But, thank you. <3
I’m so sorry to read about your daughter. They’re not supposed to go before us so that makes it extra hard. I will be thinking of you and sending my love.
So very very sorry for the loss of your daughter. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for your beautiful music.
Dear Sally, I’m so saddened to learn about the heartbreaking loss of your daughter, and at such a tender time of year. Your music and lyrics remind us of the gift of our Savior and His ability to heal and lift us, even from the depths of sorrow. My 20-year-old daughter has battled chronic illness for 12 years, and music has been a source of inspiration and comfort to her by expressing her talents in singing and playing the piano when she’s up to it. She often searches your collection to find songs to sing; one of her favorites is “Be Thou My Vision.” Last December, she was scheduled to sing for our ward on Christmas day your beautiful arrangement of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” but she was too ill when the day came, and I was heartbroken. I continue to pray her day will come. But now I learn that your daughter returned to heaven just the day before. “Though dark thy way, still sing and praise, sometime, sometime we’ll understand.” May the Lord send His peace that “passeth all understanding.” And thank you, Sally, for sharing your abundant gifts with the world, you have touched our hearts and lifted our spirits. May He lift yours.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter. I pray you will feel His love and peace. I am grateful for your testimony you shared. Jesus is our strength and our song.
Sally, I am so sorry to hear this. I have actually thought a lot about you, as I usually do at Christmas time, when I play some of your lovely music. I have not lost a child, but two of my children were involved in a horrific car accident that changed our lives forever. I can only imagine how difficult this must have been for you.
Robin passed away on my husbands 85th birthday. it made me more appreciate how long my husband has been allowed to live. Thank you for sharing. My love to you.
I am so sorry to hear this, and I am sending you love. I hope you feel the peace you graciously and generously give to others.
I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2015 while pregnant with my daughter. Thank you for reminding women that it’s a dangerous and often misdiagnosed disease.
My thoughts are with you and I hope you are able to hold happy memories of your daughter close.
Dear Sally and family: My heart cries for you. Cancer is such an evil disease and destroys many lives. I am grateful that you had those many (but not enough) years with her and that you have the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. We are so blessed to know that we can be together forever because of it. The wonderful memories are what keeps us moving forward. Thank you for the wonderful, comforting music that you so graciously provide for all of us, and know it will help you and yours at this time.
My deepest condolences. I understand the pain of watching a loved one prepare to meet our Savior on the other side. It’s bittersweet because you know the pain will be gone, but you also will miss the smiles they bring you daily.
Prayers and blessings for you and your family! Good music like yours helps us all get through hard times.
Sally,
Jesus Christ does make things okay, even when they aren’t. Thank you for that great mantra. May His choicest blessings, comfort, and peace wrap themselves around you every day. You have testified of Him. You have sung of Him. I know you know Him. Your music is a comfort and boon to me and I know it is to you. I know angels will attend you, and for that I am thankful.
LB
I share with you the quote that has helped me survive the deaths of my daughter and grandson:
“The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.
Either he will shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”
― Francis de Sales
May you be comforted and strengthened in the faith you share with all of us.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! My prayers are with you and your family now and in the future. May God bless all of you with the same comfort and strength you’ve given to so many of us, through your incredibly inspired music.
Oh Sally! Words are inadequate! So sorry for your loss, but grateful for your strong testimony of Jesus Christ and knowing you will see her again. Prayers for your family…
Dearest Sally,
So sorry to hear about your precious daughter’s departure from this mortal world. I cannot even begin to imagine how you must feel. But I am so glad that you have the Gospel in your life. May your knowledge of the profound love that Christ has for you and Robin ever be a comfort and source of strength for you. I am confident that Robin is basking in the love of our Saviour right now, most likely very anxiously engaged in other humanitarian work beyond the veil.
Thank you so much for all the beautiful music that you have shared with us. So appreciate that you so very generously share your talent with the world!
Just remember – “When the heart weeps for what it has lost- the spirit laughs for what it has found.
I’m so sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing. Thank you for your deep testimony of Jesus Christ that you share through words and music. Many of your compositions were part of our Christmas program this year. May you feel His love and peace during this difficult time.
You may never see this but know that we are grieving and celebrating your daughter’s life. I don’t personally know you or your family but we are definitely “mourning with those that mourn.”
May you find peace in remembering her as the days pass into months then into years.
So sorry for your loss, especially this time of year.
What a loss at this time of year to a relentless disease like ovarian Cancer. How grateful I am for Christ in our lives. He helps us get THROUGH the rough patches-we don’t always get over them but He’s there to hold us in his arms and carry us when we can’t go another step. Much love and many condolences and prayers in behalf of you and your family. Know you are loved.
A year ago I spent one of the BEST Christmases of my life in your home! Your family specifically made CO feel like home away from home.. I looked forward to stopping by and seeing Robin’s festive leggings! Heaven gained one of the most amazing angels for sure!… Sending you all prayers of comfort and strength.. I love y’all loads!
So sorry, Sally! Not supposed to happen to our kids! Love and prayers coming your way. Love your music! We sang “Guard Him, Joseph” on Christmas in our ward. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing your awesome music! May the Lord bless and comfort your tender heart at this time of sorrow. (She’s safe and happy – as you know)
Heavenly Hugs dear one! Sorrow is so daunting and hard, even tho we know it is temporary, it is a Gethsemane that only one can go through alone. Angels surround you and lift you! You are so loved, in Heaven and earth!
My heart hurt when I read of your daughter’s passing from cancer at the prime of her life. Six years ago I was in the same place, losing my precious oldest daughter who was so bright and intelligent to cancer. It has left a hole in my heart and in our family that can never be filled. I pray for peace and understanding for both of us. It is an experience that changes who we are.
Thanks for sharing your testimony and sorry for your loss of your oldest daughter. It must be a very difficult Christmas eve. Thanks for your many wonderful music that you share for free. My younger daughter sang, “Away in a Manger” that you arranged, I accompany her on piano and my oldest daughter, Jill played the violin part. Your arrangement is so beautiful, and add the Spirit to the Sacrament meeting.
Love from the Davis’s
Sister DeFord;
I have always found great comfort in your music. I hope you will find peace during this challenging time. you’re right. Jesus Christ make everything right even though it isn’t.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious daughter. What a difficult time for you and your family. Praying that you will be comforted by your family and friends. I love your music and use it a lot because I play the flute and love your arrangements. You are so giving and willing to share with all of us. You are blessed with musical talents. I’m glad that your daughter loved holidays and how fitting to listen to Dickens’s “Christmas Carol.” Continued prayers for you and your family.
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter Robin. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Oh my! I opened this post expecting to read about your latest piece of music and was shocked to hear of your daughter’s passing. In my mind, she was still that cute, energetic little lopped-eared bunny around the same age as my daughter, Karen. I can’t comprehend the pain of losing my daughter. Bur, I can so relate to the truth that Christ makes everything okay even when they are not. He doesn’t take the pain away, but he makes it bearable and provides the hope for peace and reunion in the hereafter.
My heart and my prayers are with you and your family. Though many miles and many years have separated us, hugs to you and gratitude for the part you have played in my life.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I lost my mother in May to breast cancer. 🎀 I will keep you and your family in my prayers. 🙏❤🙏
There are never enough words that can take away the pain you are feeling but know that you are loved so much by our Savior and by so many brothers and sisters in the world who know you by your beautiful music.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Cancer has caused so much pain and broken a multitude of hearts. We will keep you and your family in our prayers as you grieve the temporary loss of your beautiful angel.
Your beautiful music has added a richness to my life – I’ve used it over and over during many years. Thank you. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet daughter – please know my prayers will be for the comfort of a loving Heavenly Father to be with you. Robin sounds like a great woman and fun person. We’re so grateful that we know of the eternal nature of families. Love to you.
I didn’t see your post until I sent mine. So sorry for your loss, but bless you for your incredible faith and love, and for the good you do for so many.
Your music is incredible! So glad you use God’s gift to share the gospel to the world. Thank you!!
I am so heavy hearted for you and your family. I am going to pray over you and your family. Your wonderful music touches our hearts in a beautiful way. This was do difficult to read today. Know that do many people are praying over you and grieving with you. I do most sincerely pray that God will touch all of your hearts specially with his most valiant love and mercy over you.
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter; its such sad news, and I pray that you will be comforted and be able to bear the pain. You have given us so much in your music, that I want to thank you for all the time and effort and joy you’ve put into composing music for our church meetings. On Sunday we played two of your congregational compositions for the carols, and the congregation absolutely loved it and sang even more enthusiastically with the piano and organ arrangements which added so much joy and extra emotion to the songs. So our prayers are with you, and we appreciate all you have done for us.
so sorry for your loss it ever makes the holidays harder I do so enjoy your piano arrangements I keep looking for new ones thank you for all you do sincerely Norrita Sanders Nanarita79@gmail.com
So sorry to hear about your daughter. It’s hard to watch someone pass away with cancer. I’m so thankful for our Savior and the Plan of Salvation to get through hard times, knowing you’ll see her again. Love to you and your family. God bless.
I am asking the Lord to bless you and help you through this challenging time. My heart is aching for you at this time.
There’s never a good time to say good bye to a precious daughter. So many people love you for your influence in their lives. I’m no different. You have been a big influence in my life. Jesus does make things okay, even when they’re not. For a minute, I thought you had come up with a new song titled such. I pray for you to feel Jesus’ arms around you as you deal with this loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Having lost a 37 year old daughter myself 18 years years ago I can relate to your feelings. My husband and I were serving a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois when we received word that she had died unexpectedly from Sepsis. It is always tough to lose someone but we received a great calm through it all and I know you will be blessed. We could actually feel the prayers from our fellow missionaries. Know that many prayers are being offered up for you and your family. May peace be yours.
This is such sad news. I have so many wonderful memories of her and I think back on them often. She brought me so much joy. She will be missed. May you and your family be blessed with strength and peace during this very difficult time. My heart aches for you all.
Sister DeFord:
My heart breaks at the news of your loss. I pray that the Lord’s love and light can be found wrapped around you in this time of difficulty. I pray that the Balm of Gilead will heal the deep wounds of your heart and spirit.
Dear Sister DeFord, my heart broke for you and your family as I read your post. It’s hard enough to lose a loved one, but to lose them at Christmas is so hard. And every year when that holiday comes again it is a painful reminder. As your music and generosity has been a healing balm to so many, I pray that the Lord will wrap you in his healing arms at this tender season of separation. I’m so thankful to Him for His plan! Bless you all.
I’m so sorry. That is heartbreaking. Lots of prayers and hugs from angels for you!! ❤️🩹
We almost lost a 5-year-old who was hit by a car doing 40–several days unconscious. I prayed so often for everyone’s strength, his caregivers, his, and ours, to deal with whatever was to come, because I doubted mine to deal with such great pain if we lost him. Many years later I know I would have made it with God’s help. But I know what pain you are experiencing, so I pray for your strength with God’s help.
Sister Deford, I am so sad to hear this news. Know that I love and appreciate you and pray you are comforted in this difficult time. Louise from Texas
Oh Sally, my heart breaks for you and your family. I was grateful enough to know Robin for a short while when we were kids. I have fond memories of playing together with your girls after piano lessons. My prayers are with your family during this time.
We are so very sad for you. You are in our prayers. Thank goodness for Heavenly Fathers’ plan of Eternal Families.
So sorry for your loss.
We were close in high school. She was a brilliant satirist. This is a very sad thing. Strength to your family.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I know there are no words to adequately bring comfort at a time like this. May our Lord Jesus Christ, the conqueror of sin and death who wept at the grave of His friend Lazarus, lovingly embrace you and your family in His mighty arms and draw you close to Him. May the God of all comfort be your Shepherd through this dark valley until you behold His face and that of your precious daughter in the glory of His eternal kingdom. I’m praying for you.
Dear Sally
My heart goes out to you at the death of your dear daughter. May she rest in peace.
May Jesus who comes to us in a special way at Christmas time raise your spirits and shower you with blessings for sharing so much of your beautiful gift of music with us.
Patrice
Your faith in Jesus Christ and belief that you will be with Robin again will sustain you although the loss will be felt for some time to come off and on. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with the world and making it a better place with your faith promoting music. May yours and your family’s memories of Robin bring happy moments of remembering during the times of feelings of loss. My heart goes out to you. No response expected.
Sincerely,
Sharon McBride
Sally, through your inspired music you have provided the “balm of Gilead” to so many. Thank you for your generosity. My prayer is that you and your family will now have the “peace that surpasseth understanding, even as you grieve the passing of your precious daughter. Is anything more exquisite than a mother’s love? We mourn with you, even as we know that she is in a glorious place, and know you anticipate a glorious reunion. May these words from Rob Gardner’s “My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee” (and Isaiah) bring you comfort:
“So hold on thy way, for I shall be with thee. And mine angels shall encircle thee. Doubt not what thou knowest. Fear not man, for he cannot hurt thee. But with everlasting kindness will I gather thee, and with mercy will I take thee ‘neath my wings. For the mountains shall depart and the hills shall be removed and the valleys shall be lost beneath the sea. But know, my child, my kindness shall not depart from thee!”
Loving arms receive Robin Home. This post is a sure testament to your faith. Know that all of us in Massachusetts who have been blessed by your music ministry are enfolding you,Mom, and all those who will grieve Robin’s passing. May happy memories flood your days to antidote the loss and may you find joy in knowing that someday you’ll be together again. Much love, Ellen
So sorry for your loss. I lost my son to brain cancer 19 years ago, at the age of 24, and probably understand a little of what you’re feeling. The grief of loss, the gratitude for the time and memories you were blessed to have shared with your beloved “child”, and the comfort you have that she is out of pain and in a wonderful place, and that you will see her again. I’m guessing that Christmas will never be the same again, but, on the other hand, it will be a sweet reminder that because our Savior came to this earth, the bands of death are broken, and you will be reunited with your sweet daughter.
My deepest sympathies to you on the heartbreaking loss of your child. May your deep faith continue to be a source of strength during this difficult time.
Oh Sally! I’m so sorry to hear about your daughter, but what a blessing to be surrounded by family. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your family. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you through this time 💕
Sally, I’m so sorry! Thank you for your testimony of the Savior and eternal families! Sending prayers of comfort at this difficult time.
Sally, your music and selflessness are monumental. Your music is truly inspired. It has blessed many lives. This world is a much better place because of you! Thank you so much!
May our Lord and Savior bring you and your loved ones comfort and peace as each of you face these challenging times with the loss of your daughter, Jennifer. I pray that your sorrow may be replaced with wonderful memories that you will treasure forevermore. Thank you, Sally, for being a true reflection of God’s amazing love and grace for all the world to embrace. Your inspirational and heartfelt gift of music is so very much appreciated and a wonderful blessing to everyone! Please know that you and your family are surrounded by abundant love, prayers, and well wishes.
Dear Sally, I am so very sorry, but I am grateful for your strength, faith and testimony of the Savior. It is indeed, He, who gets us through all things. I pray you may find peace and comfort through his atonement. Thank you for continually inspiring us through your beautiful music.
Dear Sally,
I am so sad to hear of your daughter’s passing. I sang your arrangement of Silent Night at our church yesterday. I pray that the peace of that song was sent your way and that you could feel it. May the love of your daughter and Jesus Christ surround you and your family now and always!
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss .
I will keep you , your family , & daughter Robin in my prayers .
May God grant you peace, comfort, & understanding at this time .
Sally and Dennis — praying for your family. Wayne and Holly Williams
My heart goes out to you and your family. This Christmas was especially tender because a daughter was still with us. She came close to losing her life in November and reading of your loss and love made this day even more special. I endeavour never to take my loved ones for granted. Please know of my gratitude for your amazing work and gift of music for me. Christ does make the hard things in life okay, even those that are not okay
Dear Lord, please be with and comfort Sally and her family as they grieve and remember their cherished daughter and friend, Jennifer Robin DeFord.
In Jesus Name.
It seems your life has had more than its fair share of trials…. it gives me strength that you still know that everything is ok. I’m so sorry for your loss. I honestly can’t imagine the hurt. Thank you for your many gifts to the world.
Dearest Sally and Dennis, I really have no words except to say that I love you and Jen. Know that we are praying for you.
Oh Sally! Cannot imagine the emotions you and Dennis are going through. Yes the Savior makes it possible to go through loss of a loved one like this but it is not easy, nor can it be. Love and prayers to the Deford family and you particularly.
So sad for you and her family. Cancer is such a monster. I know, loosing two siblings. Much love and concern.
Dear Sally, thank you for your unwavering testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ! May the blessings you have shared through your wonderful gift of music come back to comfort you and your family a hundred fold at this time of sorrow and mourning for the passing of your previous daughter! You are loved!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family this day. It seems like cancer takes away most of the good things in our lives. Your beautiful music has lifted us so many times these past several years. We hope the plan of salvation will be a comfort for you and all others who are weary.
What heartbreak. I hope you, your family and friends have many opportunities to share memories and stories of your gorgeous Jennifer.
May the title of this post be true for you and all those suffering right now.
Love and prayers from Liverpool, England.
Sally, My heart is heavy for you and your family. To lose a daughter at such a young age is heart breaking. You have such a strong faith. My prayers for you to be at peace. You have done so much for so many people in the world with your music. To touched our parish on Christmas Eve and I will send a recording to you ASAP.
So sorry about your loss. Yesterday (Dec 25) was the six-year anniversary of my husband’s Christmas-day passing. But to lose someone so young with so much to live for and who is your child, tough. My heart goes out to you and thank you for all of the wonderful music you’ve so generously shared through the years. I’ve used them many times both in ward choirs and as solos (I’m a former Tab Choir member). May your tender hearts be soothed.
Oh Sally, my heart aches for you. They are always our babies, no matter their age. Thank God for the gospel and the knowledge that it is but a short separation. You are in my thoughts. Miss you!
Love you, Sally. I pray that you will be comforted in this difficult time.
Oh Sally! What a difficult and heart wrenching thing! Prayers for you and your family. Finding the ‘Merry’ in this Christmas will be nearly impossible. Only the Babe makes it even bearable. (Been there) Thank you for sharing this with all of us who love you and your music. You graciously allow us to remember and grieve with you. Grieving is necessary and totally okay. God understands.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I cannot imagine what you must feel but I mourn with you to lose someone so precious to you. The blessing in all this is of course through Jesus Christ we will be with our loved ones once more for eternity. May you have some comfort and peace in that thought.
So sorry for your loss. Yesterday, we had a beautiful combined Christmas Sacrament Meeting for all four units that meet in our building. The focus of the meeting was finding peace in Christ, and the meeting was mostly music. Several of your songs were shared by soloists and the choir and brought peace to our meeting and our hearts. May you and your family find peace in Christ at this difficult time.
So sad for your loss, but yes, Christ makes thing okay and we can share the firm belief in the next life ahead, when all will be joyous once more. May you be comforted! Your music has been a great uplift to me and others who have performed it. Thanks!
Sincere condolences to your family. We pray that the Comforter brings you peace at this difficult time. Thank you for your testimony.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your name was brought up many times during this Christmas season. Our ward choir performed your I Heard the Bells with a slight variation with our children’s choir singing out of the hymn book verse 1 and then modulating to your intro for men’s verse 2. Children rang bells and it was so special. Thank you for sharing your talents so freely. You will be blessed for your generosity. Hugs sent your way with your sweet daughter’s passing.
So sorry for your loss.
I love your website and
love your music.
The very Best to you
Sally, I am so very sorry to hear about your daughter’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. I, too, know that the Lord compensates for all that is lost. Heaven will surely be close.
Sally,
I love you forever, even though we have never met. I read these posts, I love your music, I am in awe of your talent and your generosity in sharing your gifts so freely with everyone. Your music, particularly your Christmas carols, have saved my life emotionally and spiritually more times than I can count and even now when I hear them, the peace and joy that I felt and needed so desperately at the time, comes back to me with so much emotion and gratitude. I desperately wish I had that gift of music creation that might help you now, return the blessings in some small way for everything you have done for me. But please know I am praying for you and your dear family. I know there is a plan in all things, I agree with your mantra and feel like I need to say that to myself every day as well. There is so much pain and suffering in this life that is impossible to understand if we truly believe we are to have joy here, but I know with ALL MY SOUL that Heavenly Father will make it right in the end. I loved the talk Elder Anderson gave at the Christmas Devotional, I will re re-listening to that one over and over this year. You are so much to so many. Your freely shared gifts bring the Spirit and joy to all who are fortunate enough to hear. I KNOW Heavenly Father and our Savior will carry you as long as you need carrying through this. You are amazing and He is right there with you, I know it! I love you!! I’m praying for you! You absolutely do not need to feel pressure to respond.
Sally, I feel this pain with you!
Thank you for taking this difficult time to testify that our Savior makes everything okay—not according to our limited perspective, but according to His infinite wisdom.
You’ve echoed here what I know, that despite the deep pain we sometimes feel, we can always take great comfort knowing that everything IS okay because He has promised that everything WILL BE not just okay but “glorious” (see D&C 78:19).
The pain we feel now can’t compare with the JOY that’s coming! (see Romans 8:18)
I’m so very sorry for you and your family for the loss of your daughter. I’m sending prayers at this oh so difficult time that you all will feel peace and comfort from above.
Dear Sally,
Many prayers for you and your family at this tender time. You have brought solace and peace to countless people through your gifts. May the Lord abundantly bless you.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my love.
Today is the anniversary of my dad’s passing. Four years ago he had an unexpected heart attack Christmas morning and never recovered.
My heart broke as I read your message this morning about Robin’s passing. To you, Sally, and all the DeFord family, I send my deepest condolences, my heartfelt love and hugs.
I had the privilege of singing in the Cantata with Robin (although I knew her as Jen). She was a delightful, brilliant soul who brought light to every rehearsal. I loved getting to know her.
As four years has passed since my dad left this world, I can say with experience that he is not distant. And I am grateful that Jesus does indeed make everything ok, especially when it isn’t. ; )
I wrote this to my Dad today on my Facebook: We don’t leave the Son of God in the manger. It is because of Him that we will see you again.
And the same is true for you and your sweet Robin. How grateful we are for the matchless gift of God’s Beloved Son.
Much love,
Valarie
Prayers for peace for your family. May the eternal Christ cover you with His feathers and provide you peace and refuge under His wings.
My dear sweet friend! I’m so very sorry for your loss! My heart is with you and your family. I would wrap my arms around you with a long hug if I could right now. I love you dearly and know the savior will continue to sustain and comfort you through this loss. Thank you for loving your daughter so well through her trials. She will be missed!
Love Ronda Stapleton
Sally, I wanted to share with you that “two” of your songs were performed at the Laie Mission Christmas devotional. I sang “Child in A Manger” (I am a senior missionary in the Laie mission). The youngers sister missionaries sang another one of yours(Not sure of the title). Thank you for your wonderful gift of music which has been shared throughout the world. You have such a wonderful gift. Your music truly lifts the world to Christ. Love Sister Trudy Robinson
My heart aches for your loss. I am also suffering from loss this Christmas although my loved one passed 10 days ago. I am also grateful for the hospice team who provided my mother-in-law with a painless passing in our home. I wish they could do something about the pain in my heart though. Christmas will be forever changed now as I’m sure it is for you. Prayers for your heart to find a pain remedy and peace!
So sorry. It’s really tough, even for faithful people. My wife passeed away in September, nearly three months ago. We were married 52 years and have a wonderful family. She had to deal with early onset dimentia for over 20 years, going through subtle personallity changes and increasing confusion and frustration. It was very gradual, and only now do I look back and see why lots of things happened and changed. In her last 6 months, she took a fast, deep dive downward, and I prayed constantly that she could be released from this life with all it’s pain and suffering. She dealt with a myriad of health issues, including fibromyalgia, kidney cancer, breast cancer, clinical depression, anxiety and many others. But through it all she was considered to be the sweetest, most caring, funnest person to everyone.
It is a huge void for me, but I am so happy for her. God bless you in this difficult time. I love your music. Keep going.
Sally, I’m so sorry to hear of your daughter’s passing. I’ll be praying for Jesus’ continuing comfort for you and your family!
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So sorry to hear about Robin. It is hard to lose a loved one especially at this time of year.
I so enjoy your arrangements. Deck the Halls, The First Noel are my two favorite one. Thank you so much for sharing your talents!
My heart goes out to you for the grief you are suffering. While I know that you know that death’s separation is temporary, and that temple covenants are to be relied upon, it doesn’t mean that the separation and the tender timing of it doesn’t cause pain. Your faith and testimony has contributed to the faith and testimony of all those who hear your music, for music is a spiritual medium. May the faith and testimony of those you know and love provide a safety net of peace and comfort during this season. An extra prayer to our Father goes up to heaven right now for you, and all those who are grieving this loss. Let the arms of Jesus enfold you.
Oh, Sally, my heart ached when I read about the passing of your daughter, Robin. I am so sorry for your loss. Jesus Christ does make everything okay by His Atonement and His teachings and example. I don’t have to tell you that you will see and know Robin again. Your description of her passing reminds me of one of your compositions, which we sang yesterday in our Christmas program – “Child in a Manger, sleep!” May you find peace and comfort this season and always. Aloha!
Oh my – tender tender condolences to you. This has been a year… my eldest, Colleen (50) passed of colon cancer. As you, we are grateful for the love of our Heavenly Father and the hope and promises of our Savior – upon this we hang our hearts.
Bless you – Rosemary isbell – Hendrickson 🥰
Oh Sally-so sorry to hear this! Yes, knowledge of the Savior and his mission is a definite help- altho there is truly the sorrow of premature separation. She sounds so wonderful!!! Prayers for your family and hers as well as close friends. Much love and sympathy.
Love your piano solo arrangement of Silent Night/Still,StillStill!
I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers. You are exactly right, sometimes there is no way to make a thing right, but Christ can still be with us through the “not alright”.
My mom and dad are spending Christmas with their oldest daughter for the first time in over 40 years. They lost her when she drowned at 3, and they both passed the beginning of this year within 2 months of each other – one expected, one in a car accident. The peace that comes from knowing where they are and that they are so happy makes all the difference. Wish I could give you a hug. Thank you for all of do and all you are.
Absolutely. Jesus Christ gives us perspective which then gives us hope and finally true faith.