Sword & Spirit Band: Guestbook
The Music Garden Productions
January 24, 2012
We are pleased that members Tony DeLorenzo & Pete Lindeblad share their gifts with us and you! Tony himself knows the hardships of these children as he raises special needs children and on a daily basis searches for and creates tools that will assist them into a healthy state of being. Enjoy!
Larry Branson
August 3, 2011
Good morning. My name is Larry Branson and I have been a Foster/Adoptive Parent for the past 20 years, 20 children placed in my home and I adopted number 20 , my son Geoffrey. This November I am organizing Events by Calender to coincide with National Adoption Month. I want to include Music in all my Events. This is where I need your help.Can you give me suggestions on how I can bring that about? I want music with words that tell the story of what these children deal with, how they feel, how they cope. Where can I find such Music? I have no budget. I'm doing all of this with the kindness of people who want to help the 500,000 of America's children in Foster care. I appreciate what you can do. Sincerely Larry Branson
Erica
April 18, 2011
Hi, I came accross your ministry via a mutual friend this evening, I was rocked to the core - Thank you, you have just helped to save my marriage. God bless you in all that you do, say, give and walk!
Denise Turney
March 19, 2011
God bless you for what you are doing! My mom and her sister were in foster care. A writer friend was orphaned after her mom passed when she was 6 months old and her father passed years later when she was six years old. Your work helps so many people. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I invite you to interview on my radio show "Off The Shelf" at www.chistell.com
KMR
March 1, 2011
I am a 20 year old who was in foster care from the time I was 3 to when I was adopted at age 12. During my time in foster care, I was confronted by the probelms with the system, and also the problems with my birth family. It was a major struggle during my teen years to forgive and move on. I am dedicating my life to being a social worker, helping to make the system a better experience for those children unfortunate enough to be placed in the system in the first place.
I also keep a blog about my experiences in the foster care system, and occasional current news about foster care, among other random things. It is katierags.blogspot.com
I am very inspired by what these artists are doing. There are not many songs that bring foster care to the light, and I am incredibly grateful for this.
SMD
February 1, 2011
"Daddy, I love your songs the best - They help me fall asleep at night - and even though Eric's dead - you and Eric are always together in the music - your voices are part of me now - they sooth the madness in my head"
Tiffany Jamerson
January 24, 2011
I am a 15 year old girl who can probably relate to most of you. My sisters and I were removed from our home in 2006 because I finally told someone that my brother had been molesting me. Whenever my parents found out that I told, they thought I was lying, but I wasn't. The police picked my brother up one day from school and took him to the police station. Well, my parents found out about that too and they called me into their room and my daddy slapped me hard across the face. So hard, i fell to the ground. Word got to DHS and they came a couple days later and removed my sisters and I. We were constantly moving from home to home, school to school. Whenever I thought we getting closer to going home, we only got farther from home. We staued in foster care for a year, until my parents finally got us back. But I wish that they didn't because all they do is argue, fight, drink, and smoke. I thought that we weren't going to live that life anymore but it came back. I am currently trying to get adopted, because I don't want that life anymore. A life where I'm scared to say anything at school for fear that something about my home life will slip out.
Sierra Sheridan
October 21, 2010
I have spent my teen years in foster care because my mother is battling a drug addiction and my little brother is also in foster care... He lives over 3,000 miles away. I hardly see my family or friends. Its very hard for me. I will soon be aging out. I just wish I could be there to help my brother through this. Its very hard for me to make friends because of the "foster kid" label and sterotypes. At first I resented foster care I have been to every kind of foster home imaginable. Now that I have gotten older I relize how many good things I have gotten out of foster care and how it has changed my life. The scars of the past may never fade, but the beauty of the future will always be bright and I know now its up to me to make my life better and help others keep a postivie outlook about being a youth in care. Everything goes better wen you look at life with a postive attitude. And I know plently of us wish we could have people see it through our eyes but we cant. we can only help people understand. Just like what they say "God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen." god bless you all!
stevie glover
September 27, 2010
I am in foster care and it is hard for me and you so hang in there and I hope you guys get to go home one day. Check out carrie underwood's video temperary home it relates to all of us well most of us thank you so much
LOVE STEVIE RAE!!!!
Josephine Elle
August 16, 2010
Tony,
thank you for your kind words. There is many a night that I listen to your music at bedtime and fall asleep to your beautiful works. It would be an honor and privilege to do some collaborating with you
Blair Corbett
August 2, 2010
Tony thanks for supporting the Abused Kids & Youth Cause. As a parent of 10 kids, with 5 adopted from foster care, I know how hope replaces hurt. We must stand in the gap for these children and youth
Louisette
July 15, 2010
Eric will always be missed! :( One of the most Genuine people I have ever met... I hope you're watching over us ERIC!!!!
Cherie LaLanne
June 28, 2010
Please listen and pass along this music ~ Pray for our children ~ God bless you Tony. "Dream Lost In The Wind" includes a compilation of children's voices; pain and fear in their hearts. Goodness Tony...you are beautiful
S Joana Reddick-Lopez
June 23, 2010
Amazing !!! how beautiful !! I am going to look for this CD !! when my husband gets home I will show him... We are Casting Crown fans and this is as amazing as their music...so touching !!! THANK YOU ... OMG !!! where's my kleenex box ??
Becky Nelson Mcfadden
June 3, 2010
Beautiful words put to music. Great site helping abused children ~ Tony your writing is so expressive and such a comfort to the soul ~ Your poems speak truth
Mike Thurlby
September 11, 2009
We ALL need love... It's a core generic of life. Life is sustained, edified and educated for good through love, indeed I recall a line from a song "Love makes the World go round". Clearly, music is stirred with notation of love embodied in the words of song and our spirits lift to a 'good song', do they not ?... The 'Arts' are a powerful medium for growth and awareness. 'Positive Parenting' is vital at any age, it's a song we all need sing and promote. In the real world this is not always possible. When the biological connections are lost, broken or a child's perceptions on life are 'mind altered' through no fault of there own a normal life with clear example/direction can be hard to fathom. IF left unchecked & unsupported behavioral problems effect development & transcend into adult life. In such cases Addictive inappropriate behaviour takes over and effects those who are otherwise a love network / support system. The purpose for such commendable places for child development as this site and all it represents is to heighten awareness to children in need who have lost some 'vital tools' in child development.
Give some time to view and support this cause; after all our future is tied up with children from generation to generation. - Mike Thurlby (Auckland, New Zealand)
Kathi Tarrant-Tafuto
September 10, 2009
Tony;
I heard about your organization through Dave Clark's site. I am a fairly new resident of Woodstock, single mom of two teens, a seasoned pro musician (vocalist/pianist/composer/arranger), and a recent college grad (BA in Education from Goddard). My senior project/thesis was on music education in community. I would love to talk to you.
www.kathitarranttafuto.com
Hillary
August 25, 2009
I am a High School Choir Diretor. am taking a class this week to create activities regarding "Three Little Words". I am creating a concert featuring appropriate choral and solo music. I'd love some ideas and What A Great Idea to Create This Organization!
Whispers of a Former Foster Child
August 21, 2009
Tony,
Your lyrics from the song 'Because'are so beautiful. There are so many discouraged foster children out there, and I think the lyrics will help them to know that there are people who really care about them.
I would like to post the lyrics in their own section on my 'Life as a Foster Child' site, and my blog: http://www.squidoo.com/lifeasafosterchild
Thanks, Debra Cruz
Creative Arts for Developing minds
July 23, 2009
Hi Tony
thanks so much for your response...
I think we are fixed on the 9/26 date but would love to think about doing something else collaborative with you...and would love to have the CD's ..and will avidly promote you. We are really excited about doing this - I have done therapeutic work with kids and families "in the system" for a long time and am also a musician so joining my two passions ...and being able to help kids grow through trauma is something I feel lucky to have a chance to do...let's talk more I have heard some of your music and what you do is awesome...Ilene
Creative Arts for Developing minds
July 23, 2009
Hi guys! I am a psychologist in CT involved with developing a new nonprofit called Creative Arts For Developing Minds. This is to be a facility which will offer music,art,dance and drama to kids in foster and adoptive care. I have attached a flyer with more info.
Creative Arts for Developing minds is planning a fundraiser for 9/26.09 still working out the details of where and some other logistics wondered whether your band might be willing to donate some performance time? There will be lots of publicity and exposure.....let me know! thanks Ilene
Debra Cruz
July 5, 2009
Beautiful site with an even more beautiful mission.
mark
April 11, 2009
Incredible site!
heather
April 3, 2009
im a foster kid and this music is cool i wish more ppl would make some for us to hear it makes me feel good
Brenda Walker
February 4, 2009
Wow, you guys are incredible, I wish I still 'knew' you all I would love to help with your cause. So, so sorry to hear about Eric, what a tragedy. Anything I can do from Florida, let me know. Brenda Walker (the original one :D)
Sara
January 12, 2009
Thank you. I'm glad somebody notices. We're not meant to be brushed aside, left in the dust. Your music means alot.
Sarah Callihan
December 27, 2008
Your songs really resonate with me because I was a ward of the state from age 11 to age 18 when they closed the file on me. It always seems like I am alone in my troubles but reading the lyrics and the stories makes it feel as if ya'll understand what I and so many other people have been through.
Mike Carparelli
December 26, 2008
Tony, I love your spirit and the work your doing! keep it up brotha! keep it up:)
Tammie Hammond
December 7, 2008
I didn't realize how popular you guys are!! Awesome sight, out of this world dedication to giving children a voice! Great job, Sword and the Spirit.
In Memory of Eric Robert Lea 1962 - 2008
October 28, 2008
It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my greatest friend and a member of the Sword & Spirit band; Eric Robert Lea passed away in his sleep at the age of 46 from a heart attack on Sunday, October 19,
2008.
Eric was a founding member of the Sword & Spirit band and was instrumental in organizing and performing at music benefits across New England and Canada for foster & adoptive children as well as for children with autism and Special Olympics.
Over the past 5 years he has written several songs for & about children in need helping us raise funding and a greater awareness to their plight. Eric also recently brought the Guitars not Guns program across the boarder into Canada. Guitars not Guns provides free guitars and lessons to foster children and underprivileged youth.
The Sword & Spirit band was blessed to have such a caring friend that was willing to invest his time and talent with so many children and families.
Although we are overwhelmingly crushed and numb - We will continue with our dream and with production of the new CD
Eric: God bless you - We will sing together again in God's Kingdom!
Tony
The Sword & Spirit
Pamela
September 5, 2008
Thank you Tony for sharing the vision and work of your and Carrie's heart and hands. Blessings in Messiah as you care for the orphans, a mitzvot, Torah command,
Pamela
Thank you soooo much!
September 5, 2008
I got your cd just in time for my project. I got to let my class listen to Nobody's Child - Thanks for the cd I really appreciate it!
Madison
Madison
September 5, 2008
I have to do this project at school where you name 10 events in your life and then find a song to go with each event, one of my events is going into foster care - I've been in foster care since I was 2.
Could you email the song Nobody's Child to me? - and I'll take that free cd! - It really relates to me!
Kristen Childs
August 31, 2008
Tony,
You are a rare beacon of light in this world and I greatly admire your desires to help change the lives of children. May God continue to bless you in your endeavors.
Donna Babic
June 20, 2008
Tony, I read the article in the Bridge weekly newspaper about your involvement with the Guitars Not Guns program. What an awesome idea! I love it. Just wanted to commend you on sticking your neck out for something you believe in. Needless to say, you can already guess that I oppose violence/war.
Nice picture of the three students. They look proud.
Donna Babic
Groton State Park Interpreter
Jim Flanders
June 13, 2008
Hi, Tony:
My name is Jim Flanders and I live in the central part of Vermont. I discovered GNG through a local music club and was very happy to find that such an organization exists. My wife and I have fostered several children and one of the things that helped me to build a strong bond with our last child (a 14 year-old) was music and theater. To see that music created such a positive outcome was very gratifying, to say the least. His anger transformed into confidence and happiness as we spent hours working through songs and learning about restringing and tuning and music theory.
Thanks for being a part of such an important organization. I will provide my support however I can in order to help kids develop a lifelong love of music as I have.
Regards,
Jim
Nancy Tuccillo
June 5, 2008
I've been a foster parent for five years, and hope that my home will always be open to be a place of comfort and caring to children in need. I plan to adopt my three foster kids this year. I think your group is amazing and I am so happy to know about your efforts. I wish you all the best. Don't ever stop!
Jennifer
November 29, 2007
I've been reviewing your site and song lyrics. I am a child welfare social worker in Newfoundland, Canada and I have worked in foster care for the past 3 years. It is heartbreaking yet rewarding work.
I am currently completing my Master's degree and working on a paper that specifically examines the marginalization of children with attachment disorder in society. I am hoping you will allow me to provide my professor with a copy of your lyrics to Because and Dream Lost in the Wind. I would like to use them to demonstrate the feelings of young people in care and the response that is needed by those who care for them.
Keep up the great work,
Jennifer
Lawrence Adams - World Initiative for Orphans
November 9, 2007
Dear Tony~ I was quite moved by your comments as well as your web site upon visiting it.
It is very obvious that you have put action behind your words of helping our fragile youth in the foster care system. Your love and passion for what you are doing comes through loud and clear! I myself am a former foster youth so your work with your band is very much appreciated.
I think your work needs broader exposure as well as credit for what you are doing. I decided earlier this month to begin a blog entry, which I will do each month, what I call "Heroes for Our Youth." I would like you, and the band to be the first ones I write about for October.
Your work needs to be recognized and I would like to help in some small way. Sincerely, Lawrence Adams
Mary
November 5, 2007
What a fantastic ministry! I am in awe of the love that rolls off these pages. What's up with the "Up-Coming Shows?" Are you still active? I'm a West Coast foster parent, but do you ever travel into PA? My nephew has a studio and plans/schedules productions for many groups/artists. Keep on keeping on...
Jenn
October 16, 2007
Tony,
First time at the web site - this looks great! I love the pics you have. Funny one of you and Rich with the sun glasses sitting in the chairs outside -- trying to be the blues brothers huh?
Great work you guys are doing! If you ave going to collect toys/teddy's for the foster kids please let me know ahead of time. Chelsi has more than any child ever needs.
God Bless you for what you do.
Beth
October 15, 2007
Great Web site Tony! I finally spent some time checking it out. I really like the suitcase campaign idea. So many of our foster guests came to us with all their belongings in trash bags. I used to buy all the suitcases I could find at yard sales so that they could at least have something decent to transport their things in. Keep up the good work!
Donna B. Pacini-Christensen
May 25, 2007
Dear Tony & Eric,
I am impressed with your band and I want to help more people learn about you. I have included your website address (and summary) on a list on my website. Please go to The Loose End of the Rainbow link: www.astarrynightproductions.com
then click on the Resources link. Find the listing I have for you (under " S " )
Again, I admire your band and hope that I can help more people learn about you.
Warm Regards,
Donna B. Pacini-Christensen
GNG President: San Joaquin County, CA. Chapter
Beth
January 18, 2007
Great site Tony! Thank you for everything you do for the children. Most of us want to help in some way or talk about helping but you are all action!
The Screw Tops
October 11, 2006
Tony,
I talked with the other guys in the band and we would be happy to help you out on Dec. 3.
I checked out your website and think it's a great thing you are
doing. When you get things set let me know some more details.
Thanks, Lance
Paul Rivers
October 3, 2006
Hey Tony,
Great site! Your caring and devotion to Foster Parenting is evident throughout the site. Your music mirrors these qualities. I look forward to meeting you and also working with you in December
Thank You!
September 23, 2006
Dear Tony,
Thanks for the T-Shirt and CD
I love your music & the stories that you tell about the children.
Keep up the good work!
Your music has real meaning and we appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Please also give my thanks to Eric, Richard, Greg and Claire.
Bonnie Holt
Robin Scudder
July 15, 2006
Dear Tony,
The size of your heart is incredible, as is your passion for our kids. Good luck with your project!
Robin Scudder (foster/adoptive parent, now Springfield SW)
Dot on Shaft Guitars
June 30, 2006
Dot on Shaft Guitars are very proud to announce a new affiliation with THE SWORD & THE SPIRIT.
What a tremendous cause to be part of. Helping Children and Youth.
Dot On Shaft are donating a few dozen guitars to their "GUITARS not GUNS" program. Furthermore we are going to SPREAD the word as best we can by telling YOU the reader.
Be a part of the GUITARS NOT GUNS program! If you would like more information check out their website at the link provided.
Get in touch with Tony or Eric. These are people that devote tons of their personal time to help out Foster Kids all over Canada and the USA. Please help by supporting their cause. Buy their CD!
Be Blessed! Mikeymike
Vicky
June 10, 2006
Thank you for the websit...I've really enjoyed listening and learning about what your band is all about. Awesome work... I love it. Expecially "Beleive in me"... beautiful
SanGia
May 30, 2006
I love what you guys are doing keep up the good work!!!
MikeyMike
May 15, 2006
Getting the Word Out! Great Mission! You guys deserve Honourable Mentions for your actions!
Mikeymike
Canadian Music Rocls
May 13, 2006
What a great concept to do with a band! It's awesome what you're doing guys. Keep up the great work.
Bonnaventure
April 9, 2006
4/9/2006 2:14 AM
Hey, I just want to write a quick message to tell you how great your mission is. We are touched by what you stand for.
Christine DeFord
April 2, 2006
What a great website! Kudos to all of you for the work you do in the name of the Father of all.
Nicole
March 29, 2006
I don't even know where to begin in telling you how amazingly wonderful your music is. It is the kind of music that makes one's heart sing and their body warm all over. I have never heard anything quite so beautiful. Really I could have cried! Nicole