JoAnn Derden | Dreams for Jeffrey - companion audio CD for The Jeffrey Journey

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Dreams for Jeffrey

Composed and performed by JoAnn Derden

JoAnn's youngest grandbaby, Jeffrey, was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a progressive neuromuscular disease destined to shorten his earthly stay to a matter of months. That prompted sufficient inspiration for JoAnn to compose some soothing lullabies for him... and for his mama (her daughter), Helen. Both loved listening to the peaceful music over and over... and over... and over!

The CD accompanied early editions of The Jeffrey Journey, a book written by Helen and recently reissued.

Below are snippets from the CD, along with a sampling of verses, also written by JoAnn.

Tracks (samples in mp3) :

Verses (sample):

1. Close My Eyes
Close my eyes... I’m dreaming
Sweet dreams that never end.

2. When My Mama Sings to Me
My very favorite time of all
Is when my mama sings to me.

4. The People Who Love Me
If I could, I would count all the people who love me.
If I could, I would tell themthat I love them, too.

8. Mama and Daddy
My mama and daddy, the best that can be -
Thank you, dear Lord, for giving them to me.

12. Night Sounds on My Mountain
I love my little mountain -
On top you touch the stars.
At night it whispers songs to me
And secrets from afar.

13. Dreams for Jeffrey
I have the sweetest dreams on earth
All sugar, smiles, and songs -
Not just with me when I sleep,
They’re with me all day long!

16. God Bless My Friends and Family
Here is my prayer before I go -
God bless my friends and family,
And if there is a blessing left,
Thank You, God, for blessing me.

17. Angels Watching Over Me
Angel eyes are watching me,
Every night they sit -
Their golden lights surround my head,
Making sure my halo fits!

18. Kissing Me Goodnight!
Telling me goodnight and giving me a kiss,
Kissing me goodnight, and loving me...
All the way to dreamland.

19. Paul’s Song for Jeffrey*
When I close my eyes and am fast asleep,
I hear heavenly voices -
God’s angels from the sky.
Stars so bright above -
filled with joy and love!
Angels calling Jeffrey...
Time to say good-bye.

*Paul, Jeffrey’s uncle (and Helen’s brother), came up with the melody, which JoAnn then transformed into a sweetly haunting expression of Jeffrey’s farewell earthly dream....