My younger sister, who had many medical issues in her life was a huge fan of John Denver. When she died from her diabetes at age 22 we had a guitarist sing and play Sunshine on my Shoulders at her funeral. Ever since, when we hear it on the radio we think of her and feel she is talking with us.
In 1980 I got invited to a private fundraiser for Rep. Mo Udall who was an environmentalist from Arizona. It was just a small reception of about 25 people. Who would I see there? Tucson boy John Denver!
I went and shook his hand and it felt like he held it for five minutes but I am sure it was probably only 50 seconds! During that entire time he looked me in the eyes and listened to every word I said as if no one else was there. What an emotional moment for me.
I was telling him about my sister and my mom's grief and how important Sunshine had become to her. He thanked me and that was it. I had met my hero!
Two weeks later a letter was sent to my mom from John Denver! It wasn't a form letter but a typed personal note signed by him on his '80's style stationery. In it he talked about death and my mom and sister. It was very comforting.
When John died, we dug out the letter and shared it with the news media because it gave his view on death and that it was part of a path we all are on. It was probably one of the few times he openly talked about death. Now his words of comfort to my mom would comfort his fans as well. RIP John with my sister and my mom and always keep that "Sunshine on my Shoulders"!