“Blessings for my son during his brief life”

On July 6th, 1999, my second son, Matthew, was born at 32 weeks gestation. He was a child born with many abnormalities including genetic disorders, heart and lung issues, physical and possibly mental disabilities. It was a miracle that he lived for almost 4 months. It was during this time that I first heard your music. When we were finally able to hold Matthew at the age of 2 weeks, it was your tape, “Songs for the Inner Child”, I remember playing continuously. I honestly believed I was listening to the voice of an angel. Certain songs helped me to communicate perfectly to him and helped to calm and soothe his pain. I believed Matthew had angels who watched over him constantly during this difficult time.
I felt fortunate getting to know him everyday. His soul was reborn at the beginning of each day by hearing your voice and mine join together in harmony. When he was at peace was when I pictured seeing an angel before my eyes. This deep peace flowed through him continuously while listening to your music. He was a beautiful, precious gift in so many ways. I knew God was always with us by allowing us one more day with our son.
Matthew could finally relax on October 31st, 1999. It was the day he passed away. I know now that we were not separate, but one, joined together through the love in our hearts. He was a child who touched so many people in so many different ways. Your music was a gift to him by touching his soul during his life. When Matthew passed away, music players were donated to the hospital in his memory. We wanted to give other infants and children the gift that was given to our son- the gift of your music.
We now have a scholarship that we do in honor of Matthew. A graduating senior from our high school who has had an impact in the life of a person with special needs and a person who has overcome adversity in their life because of their special needs receives a $1000 award. This award is called, “The Matthew Bendele Memorial Award”.
I am contacting you 18 years later to thank you for having an impact in the life of our son. At the time Matthew was alive, your music was recorded on a blank tape. Therefore, I was unable to locate the artist or songs. It wasn’t until recently that I was able to locate who you were on YouTube. I felt like a weight was lifted from my heart. Whenever I remember Matthew, I remember it was your songs that helped to give him and me comfort. It was your song, “Peace be with You,” that we played at Matthew’s funeral. I believe angels did help guide him to heaven. Matthew is at “peace” now. Thank you Shaina, for the gift of your beautiful music that was such a meaningful part of the precious time I had with my son.

Sincerely,
Kerri Bendele
St. Johns, Michigan