Heavenly Love Lives On: Remembering Debbie
January 25, 1953 - March 17, 2018
By Together at Peace | Jenny Robinson, Guest Contributor
At Together at Peace, we believe that the love we carry continues to shine, long after our loved ones have passed. Today, we are honored to share a heartfelt tribute from Jenny Robinson, who so beautifully keeps her mother Debbie’s light alive through everyday moments, family traditions, and profound signs from above.
A Mother's Legacy Begins in Dance
One of Jenny’s earliest memories of her mom is one that sparked a lifelong passion: her very first dance class at age three, where Debbie was not just her mother, but her teacher. This simple, sweet memory grew into a deep bond between them. Debbie was a guiding force, nurturing the dreams of her four daughters with unwavering love and positivity.
From hand-sewn Halloween costumes (Jenny still remembers her pink troll costume vividly!) to thoughtfully planned birthdays, Debbie’s love was felt in every detail. She made space for creativity and joy, letting Jenny design her own birthday cake one year, again a pink troll, which would go on to become a cherished memory.
A Legacy of Positivity
One of the most treasured gifts Debbie gave Jenny was a small book called Positive Thoughts, a token from Jenny’s teen years that continues to bring light today. “I know that’s where I get my positive outlook,” Jenny reflects. One of Debbie’s favorite sayings, “no worries”, has become a lasting reminder to choose peace, even in life’s chaos.
And then there were the sticky buns… a beloved tradition in the family, Debbie made them for every holiday. After her passing, her daughters honored that memory by engraving the cherished recipe in her handwriting on a cutting board, a daily reminder that her love still nourishes them.
Celebrating Her Heavenly Birthday
Every January 25th, Debbie’s family gathers to celebrate her Heavenly birthday. Her children, grandchildren, and husband come together to share dinner, sing happy birthday, and reminisce over the sweet, funny, and love-filled moments that made her life so beautiful.
These gatherings are more than just rituals; they’re touchpoints of healing, where grief transforms into gratitude, and stories keep her spirit alive in the hearts of every family member.
Finding Peace on Her Anniversary
On the anniversary of Debbie’s passing, Jenny and her family honor her in meaningful and varied ways. One especially memorable year, they sent off lanterns into the sky, each carrying a handwritten love letter to Debbie. It was a sacred, unforgettable evening filled with emotion, remembrance, and a sense of spiritual closeness.
Jenny and her family gathered together to remember their mom on the anniversary of her passing.
A Love That Continues to Inspire
Debbie’s love didn't end with her passing; it evolved into something even more powerful. Jenny feels it in the everyday moments with her own children. When a ladybug lands near them, they know it’s her. When life feels heavy, Jenny turns to her mom’s memory for guidance and peace.
In October 2023, Jenny woke with inspiration, a message from her mom that led her to write a children’s book. It wasn’t just creative expression; it was healing. “Her love continues to inspire me,” she says, “and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Signs of Love from Beyond
Jenny receives signs often, little miracles woven into daily life. One of the most powerful is the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe, which plays at just the right moment, like a musical hug from heaven.
She recalls a striking moment at Costco, one of Debbie’s favorite places. After an emotional exchange with her father, a woman tapped Jenny’s shoulder: “Excuse me, you have a ladybug on you.” In the middle of the store, Jenny broke down in tears. “It’s my mom,” she repeated. A gentle reminder that even in conflict, Debbie is there, offering love, understanding, and comfort.
Ladybug on shoulder at Costco, a comforting sign from her mom after passing.
Owls, deer, rainbows, dragonflies, they all find their way to Jenny in moments when she needs reassurance. One especially poignant sign appeared in her sister’s wedding photos: a dragonfly hovering near her sister’s head during the vows. A silent, sacred sign. Debbie was there.
Debbie’s light continues to shine through Jenny’s words, her children, and the many lives she touched. Stories like these remind us that love transcends time and space. It shows up in the smallest ways, a song, a bug, a recipe, a book, and gently wraps itself around us, just when we need it most.
We are grateful to Jenny for sharing her heart and story with the Together at Peace community. Her experience is a beautiful reminder that even in loss, we are never alone. Love remains.
🕯️ If you have a story about your loved one that you’d like to share, we welcome you to submit it here. Let’s keep spreading the light that still shines.
