“Loss of my Mother in Childhood : Sister Linda Soler, OSB”

Dear Shaina,

I was introduced to your songs during a healing retreat given by Fr. Matt Linn, SJ at Christ the King Retreat House in Buffalo, MN.

When listening to the song “How Could Anyone”, I immediately felt a connection to my deceased mother, LaVonne.  My mother passed away in her sleep from a silent heart attack in 1969 when I was eight years old. My father raised five children on his own, and never remarried. I am the fourth out of five children. I was very close to my mother as a young child. The treasured childhood memories are loving, yet faint.

As a motherless daughter, I only have the memories and my prayer life to heal the wound of abandonment, yet I feel my mother’s presence in silent ways. We are connected through our souls. I listen to this song imaging my mother saying these words to me. I was a daughter who was loved unconditionally before her sudden death:

“How could anyone ever tell you
You were anything less than beautiful
How could anyone ever tell you
You were less than whole
How could anyone fail to notice
That your loving is a miracle
How deeply you’re connected to my Soul”

I am presently living the Benedictine Way of Life as a Religious Sister. One of my ministries is Pastoral Ministry. As a Pastoral Minister who works with youth and adults who are troubled or grieving the loss of a loved one; I have used your music for those in need of healing. Soon I will be sharing your songs “How Could Anyone” and “It’s A Joy To Get Know You” for a Mother/Daughter tea. Your music compliments pastoral ministry.

May the angels dance with you as your music continues to heal through the gift of music.

Sister Linda Soler, OSB
St. Paul’s Monastery
St. Paul, Minnesota