Renee: Hills Alive Festival in Rapid City SD was three years ago and it was our dream come true! The picture above is of my Dad, Vernon, Child of the One True King. This was our last memory together in the sense of normalcy. My Dad has Alzheimer’s. He knew he was losing his battle with his mind, so he was adamant that he and I drive the three hours to see Matthew.
My mom had a stroke 4 years ago. I saw this strong man break one evening. He was sitting in his favorite chair listening to Matthew West’s, “Strong Enough.” Our family has never been the same since her stroke. It really triggered his dementia.
But as he went through these past few years changing and losing himself, he still LOVED to greet everyone with “Hello, my name is Vern. Child of the One True King!” He would say it proudly, over and over and over. I don’t hear him say it anymore, but I rest assured that my dad will meet our Lord with his smile and hand extending to introduce himself to our King…and the Lord will respond, “Welcome my child.”
Thank you, Matthew, for this treasured memory! Thank you for the music you write for people’s true stories and struggles, and for always pointing us to our One True King. Thank you for your Quarantine Quiet Times and your “live” concerts from your Story House.
