Amazing Grace ~ A song for dad

Working on tracks in my home music studio.

A Song for Dad:

Before dad passed on July 18, 2023, I was able to have a few precious moments in his hospital room with my twin sister, April. My twin was sitting at his right side and I was standing up by his head on the left. Dad had become quite agitated and was trying to communicate with us. He had lost his ability to convey what he wanted to say. I took my phone out of my back pocket and asked dad if he’d like to hear some music. He couldn’t respond, but I always knew that if I was with with him at the end of his life, I would play Chris Tomlin’s version of “Amazing Grace”. There are additional lyrics added to include, “My chains are gone; I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns, Unending love, Amazing Grace”. I love those newly added lyrics. Dad was able to recite Psalm 23 from memory, which he did many times in our visits over the past few months. But, I wanted my dad to let go of the chains he’d held for so long; to be set free and to feel God’s Amazing grace and love.

I also knew that I wanted to play a recording of his mother’s favorite hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross”. Apparently, his mother used to play that hymn on their old upright piano and as a young boy, my dad would sing along with her. As the story goes, his siblings would tease him for singing with his mother. I chose to play a country version sung by Alan Jackson.

I rested my cell phone on the pillow just above his head. As soon as the music began, his body seemed to settle. His abrupt movements stopped for a time and he seemed to calm and be at peace. He also said the word “gate” several times and kept pointing across the hospital room. I told him, “Do you see the gates dad? It’s o.k.! You can go to the gates!”

It was several hours later that my father passed, but having those moments with him and with my twin sister at his side were special. I will forever be grateful that I was able to have this time with him and play these songs and in some small way, help him find peace in his final hours. As dad entered the heavenly gates, I know he went feeling his Saviors unending love for him and was immediately released from any earthly chains he had carried. He was free.

Unending love, Amazing Grace.

I spent the next week and a half recording a short version of “Amazing Grace” in my home studio. It is a simple version with just piano, strings, and pad. I played the recording at the small, intimate service we had in our parents backyard and again as we scattered his ashes under the Golden Gate Bridge. Although my dad didn’t really understand or fully grasp the musical path I’ve taken as an adult or show much interest in my professional career, it was the best way I knew to honor him - the musical abilities God has gifted me to share speak when words cannot; this is for you dad.

~Kristie

*To hear the recording, please click the link above. I’d be honored if you’d use it for any future Celebration of Life services.

*Music video with lyrics available on my YouTube channel, Rise Music Co.

*Music downloads & streaming from Spotify, Amazon, & Apple Music.