I am saddened to find out about the passing of Deanna. I first heard Deanna speak & sing at a conference in Saskatchewan approx 20 years ago and brought her back when I organized a provincial conference in 1993. I have purchased most of her music and her song "My Mother's Hands" was played at my mother's funeral last September 2010. My husband often plays her cd's. I have thought of her often and hear her words of wisdom echoed over the last few months as I grieve the loss of my mom.

Deanna, you will be sorely missed. You taught us about grieving and accepting death...and now we have a final lesson to learn. How to grieve the loss of YOU. We will miss you so much dearest Aunt Deanna.

Love, Debbie

Deanna,

19 years ago you presented a workshop in Fargo N.D. I was one of the attendees that day. 1 year before, I had lost a 1 week old son, David. He was 1 of a set of identical twins. I bought your tape, Remember Me, in anticipation of that workshop. I fell in love with the song "The Littlest Angel". I have considered that David's song ever since. You signed the cassette for me. While this tape is wearing out, I still play it. I tape myself back every time I listen to it. Over the years, I've struggled with losing David and a previous miscarriage. Watching Carl (surviving Twin) grow up has been hard. It took 20 years, but I have finally turned David's soul over to God's care. I felt the need to hold on to it. As you said that day, there is a process we go through and we don't all go through it at the same rate. I was a slow learner. Today, I am helping a young girl who just buried her 9 month old son. I am going to loan her my copy of the tape. She needs to r ealize, that we all process at our own speed, but taking too long (20 years), you miss out on to much of life.

Diane

I have been listening to Michael Ballam's "Music and the Mind" tape and was very moved by the song 'Two Little Shoes' that Deanna wrote. This is the first time I have heard her music (or at least realized that she wrote it) and am very interested in hearing more. My family sings and we are trying to get an album put together for the 2004 World Congress of Families in Mexico City and Deanna spreads the message that we are trying to convey about the strength of having a righteous family. It looks like I have another wonderful realm of music to explore and share!

Michael

www.michaelgail.com

I met Deanna in 1976 at the first Make Today Count workshop that I attended. Our son Jeff, had died of leukemia in 1971 just a week before his 6th birthday. Her music and her message helped me heal the pain and she inspired me to share our story. For many years I shared with groups Life Is Fragile...Handle with Prayer, sharing Deanna's music with the groups. I attended many workshops in the 70 and 80's. But the last time I saw Deanna perform a workshop was in the late 80's. Until this week! My daughter had seen at work a flyer that she was coming just 18 miles away. Although Deanna and I still correspond at Christmas, this would be the first time I had seen her for about 15 years. So my daughter and I showed up at her workshop..and it was like we had never parted. Her voice is better than I'd ever heard her (although on my old records, worn out from playing over and over...her voice was pretty scratchy :)! ) Listening to her speak and sing was like ! 1976 all over again...but with out the pain and awful ache of those days. I realized that she indeed was an "angel" sent to me to help me heal.

I love her new songs, and cry still as she sang the old ones. They touched my heart and soul the first time I heard them and do yet today. She really was a "Bridge over Troubled Waters" for me..and I am so privileged to call her my friend.

Thanks Deanna....take care of you...we all need you.

I love you Jan

Deanna Edwards has been a close personal friend of my wife, Karen, since they were in the 7th grade together. Deanna has always been there for Karen in times of need. With love and encouragement, giving inspiration and support, Deanna has helped to strengthen Karen and give her hope to face the challenges in life.

Deanna sang at our wedding, a choice experience that will never be forgotten. Since then, I too have been blessed to come under the influence of Deanna's sincere friendship and care. Deanna and her husband Cliff, have reached out to us with acceptance, respect, and kindness.

Having the privilege and opportunity to participate in the development of Deanna's personal website has been an honor. Getting to know Deanna better through listening to her beautifully recorded music and learning the lyrics to her inpired songs, has touched my heart and soul beyond description. With true admiration and respect, and in an attitude of humility and gratitude, I try to express the feelings within my heart, and share how Deanna has enhanced my life.

I'm amazed at the love you share with all those that need God's love.
I'm amazed at the way you care like the one true God above.
It's a wonder that few others can see the work to do.

You give your hand to those in need and lift them up to see.
You listen close without a word you hear the beggars plea.
You're amazing, you're the lady that helps me want to be.

I'm amazed at the way you dare to do all the things you do.
I'm amazed that you are so rare, I'm amazed at all you do.
It's a wonder that few others can see the work to do.

You give your hand to those in need and lift them up to see.
You listen close without a word you hear the beggars plea.
You're amazing, you're the lady that helps me want to be.

Thank you, Deanna, for your guidance, through the caring and loving example you set of how to live as a true disciple of Christ.