• Save A Place For Me

    February 17, 2010 - Comments (81)

    I am so glad you decided to visit this site. My hope is that this will be a place that will serve as both a memorial to loved ones who have passed away, and also a place for those who are dealing with grief and loss to find comfort and encouragement. Over the next several weeks, friends of mine who are pastors and authors will be submitting guest devotionals, all dealing with the topics of loss, grief, and the hope of Heaven. To start though, I thought I’d give you a little glimpse of the story behind the song, “Save a Place for Me.”

    She couldn’t speak. Not anymore. The stroke she suffered took that away. She couldn’t walk either. Her 86 years of life had left her paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. She was my grandmother, Luella Jane West. Several years ago, the doctors told the family she wasn’t going to make it. I remember getting the phone call from my dad. I remember the trip to Iowa. I remember the hospital room. I remember saying goodbye.

    My family cried, laughed, and cried some more in the waiting room of the hospital as we remembered and celebrated her life. And it truly was a life worth celebrating. Grandma was a mother of ten children who loved God with all her heart, and believed in the power of prayer. I will always remember cards and letters she would send me. They were filled with encouraging words and scriptures to live by. I will not soon forget her example of how to live a life that really says something.

    What my family didn’t expect was exactly what happened. Years had passed since her stroke and my grandmother had defied the doctors, long outliving their expectations and blessing us with the gift of more time. More time with our friend. And though she couldn’t speak during her last years on earth, we shared many amazing times together. Today, there is another Luella Jane West here with us. She is my daughter. And you should have seen Grandma’s eyes light up when she met her namesake and great granddaughter for the first time! Someday when Lulu asks about her name, I will be proud to tell her about a life that had something to say.

    On New Year’s Day of 2009, grandma left this world. Once again, I made that trip to Iowa to say goodbye. I sang “Save a Place For Me,” at her funeral. The lines that resonated with me the most when I thought about Grandma were, “I wanna live my life just like you did/Make the most of my time just like you did/I wanna make my home up in the sky just like you did.” I read a recent interview with Billy Graham in Newsweek that summed up the heart behind this song. When asked about the passing of his wife, Ruth, Rev. Graham humbly replied, “I know God has prepared a home for her in Heaven. I just hope she saves a room for me.”

    -Matthew

    Matthew West POSTED BY:
    Matthew West

    • 81 comments

    1. 1. Tonya Forror commented:

      Sat 20/2/10, 2:19 pm

      We lost our son Cameron on September 5, 2008. He was 17 years old. He went that day to have surgery on his spine for scholiosis. He made it through a 5 hour surgery, but tragically a few hours after things started to not look so good. He died from a rare thing called TRALI, which can happen after a blood transfusion. It is only 1 in 5000 chance. We don’t understand why our Cameron. I still question it everyday. We miss him so much. He was a fighter. He was and still is a blessing to our family. We are thankful that we got to spend those 17 years knowing and loving him. When I hear the song “Save a place for me” it gives me hope that I will see him again one day. I hope he’s ready for the biggest hug ever when that day comes.

    2. 2. sam commented:

      Tue 23/2/10, 8:39 pm

      i am a just turned teenager. when i was really young, one of my uncles passed from this world to the next unexpectedly. the doctors found out later he had lung cancer. a year or so later, when i was seven, my father passed away. it was the saddest day of my life, orso i thought. then 6 years later my stepfather passed away. my mom and i have spent the time since his death just adjusting, since he was passive aggresive. a week or so later his sisters husband passed away. thatis what drives me. i have to so well, to prove to my stepdad im not a goodfor nothing lazy brat, and to do as well in life as my father. all of my trials have inspired me to write poetry. a poem i wrote is ciculating the internet:
      angels angels are beings who ive us love, comfort, hope, support, and in somecases a shoulder to cry on. angels are all around us, acting and speaking with angelness. angels can even be those who have gone before. i know a few angels. three are in heaven sleeping peacefully on clouds or dropping snow down. one is reading this poem right now. Do you know any angels?

    3. 3. Lisa commented:

      Wed 24/2/10, 11:02 am

      Thank you for sharing “Save A Place For Me” with all of us. It is an encouragement and reminder of hope for those who have lost loved ones.

      I recently lost my sister and would like to add her tribute to the memorial wall. But I have a technical question. Do you know how many words fit in 1MB? Is there an edit feature if we go over that amount, or do we have to repost a new tribute?

      I feel a little weird asking since this song and subject are so emotional but I really want to do it right. Guess I’m a perfectionist! 8-D

    4. 4. Nita commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 11:44 am

      There must be angels because this site popped up in a friend’s FB post today. 550am this morning made exactly 2 years since Mom went home. I will be back to post a picture and her life story.

      Thank you for this site and the wonderful opportunity to share the families and friends we miss.

    5. 5. FeFe commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 3:34 pm

      The summer of 2009 I had a dream that I was searching everywhere for my Grandmother. In the dream I was frantic and it scared me so badly then I heard her say, “I’m right here” and she was standing next to me. That dream scared me so badly and I felt she was preparing me as she knew her time to see Jesus was near. My Grandmother was the most beautiful woman on this earth to me. I was able to see her in October while she was in the hospital and it was so hard to see her in pain. I sang to her and held her hand and told her when she gets to heaven to please ask God to help me with my very angry heart so that I can join her in heaven someday. I lost my Grandmother November 3, 2009 and my heart is breaking. Though she would want me to be happy that she is in heaven I miss her so. As long as I can remember I have told my Grandmother I wanted her to live forever and her response was always, “I am going to live forever with Jesus.” The first time I heard the dj announce the title of your song I had started crying even before I heard the first words. The song is a strong reminder of how she is expecting me in heaven so I can know the joys and peace she now knows and I keep praying that God help me with the scars and anger within me so that I can join her.

    6. 6. Kathy Mook commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 6:01 pm

      My oldest son, Jon died on June 29th, 2009. Jon and I had complications at birth which resulted with him having Cerebral Palsy. He never considered himself handicapped though he couldn’t walk and even needed for someone to feed him. In his 37 yrs. he shared so much love with others and taught all of us just what it means to be patient. I have 3 other living adult children,whom I love dearly,but Jon was the one that shared my faith. I so miss the long discussions about what God was doing in our lives. The first time I heard Save a Place for Me, I cried through the whole song and it is very difficult for me to cry. I hear the song almost everyday on my way home from work and went and bought the CD because of this song. I’ve shared the title with my on-line support group and will be posting this site for them so they can hear the song. Thank you Matthew. Your music really touchs my heart. Blessings,Kathy

    7. 7. Lisa commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 6:14 pm

      Last week, I heard your song “Save A Place For Me” for the first time. From the first line I was bawling my eyes out. Like many others have shared, I also recently lost a loved one. She was my sister. My sister whom I cherished from the day she was born. In three short months I watched cancer destroy her body, but not her hope in Christ. She wrote scripture on the inside of her arms and witnessed to everyone in the hospital she came in contact with. She died at the age of 39. I told the Lord I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. He took her anyway. It’s only been six months since she’s been gone. But some days its seems longer because of the heartache and reality that I can no longer have her present with me in this life. Hearing your song was an answer to prayer. Just the night before, I was having a hard time and my friend said” well, maybe you can be ministered to through music”. Your song spoke volumes to me. The lyrics were a perfect balance of understanding the pain I’m going through and yet, reminding me of the good for her and hope for the future. Thank you.

    8. 8. sam commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 7:16 pm

      anyone who is interested in music along these lines though not matthew west(i love his music) mercyme’s i can only imagine brought my mom and i to tears. as did this. it takes an awful lot to make us cry

    9. 9. JASON ANDREW TOPPIN FROM BORONIA MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA commented:

      Thu 25/2/10, 9:31 pm

      Matthew Save A Place For Me is making an impact upon me I cannot help singing it whhenever I Hear it. Save A Place fgpor Me is an insporation to me. I know God has a Place for me and I wil be there soon. My friend Stephen Chishlom told me that I have the mind of Christ. God will show me what He Has for me in His own time. I will keep on praying daily & reading His Word. I am cyurrentlt medatating upon Psalm 139.

    10. 10. Janice commented:

      Fri 26/2/10, 4:31 pm

      I, too, recently lost my wonderful husband of 46 years.When I first heard “Save a Place for Me” it really spoke to me how my husband is in Heaven saving a place for me to join him one day. God bless you as you continue to witness to us thru your music. It brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it…

    11. 11. Teresa Schwindt commented:

      Sun 28/2/10, 11:11 am

      Matthew,Thank You So Much For Your song . Save A Place for Me really Fits Me!! My Wonderful ,Thoughtful,Loving Husband Glenn, Went Home To The Lord April 6 2009, He was diagnosed with Brain Cancer On March 11, had surgery March 18 and went Home to the Lord on April 6.Im Thankful that Gods Will was to not let him Suffer.The song Fits so Much Glenn hated me to cry!! and I Sooooo Look Forward to our Reuion in Gods Kingdom,OOOH how I will Rejoice !! Glenn is My Future with Our Father God , Not my Past..

    12. 12. Calleen Davis commented:

      Sun 28/2/10, 6:18 pm

      I lost my son John and his friend Ben (both 16 years old) in a car accident in January of 2009. After dropping off another friend they were on an icy road and lost control and hit a tree. It is the most unnatural thing in the world for a parent to have to bury a child. John was my only son and my heart and soul aches every second of the day for him. Music is something that helps ease my pain a little. The first time I heard “Save a Place for Me” I felt such a sense of peace. I know I will be with my son again someday and it is songs like this and others that helps me remember that. John was a good son and brother to his sister, a good student, a good athlete and a good friend to so many. But most importantly he was a believer who took his faith very seriously. This is how I know he is looking down on us smiling and saving that place and some grace for us to join him someday. Matthew West, I thank God for giving you your wonderful gift of music to help so many get through the darkest days of their lives. God Bless You.

    13. 13. Amelia Chavez commented:

      Tue 2/3/10, 2:42 pm

      Oh my god this song not only brought tears to us but also made me realize that i will see my son some day. I look at life now in a different way. Thank you to Kathy Mook from connect legacy for sharing this with us.My son Johnny lost this battle with liver and kidney failure due to drinking he was a wonderful son and was loved a by everyone. Thank you Matthew West for this song and website you have made me look at life in a different way and you gave me hope to some day reunite with my son again someday!!

    14. 14. Kelly commented:

      Thu 4/3/10, 6:54 pm

      Just wanted to thank you for your heart healing song. I had heard it a few times, but never really listened to the words. But I was listening the other evening, and was truly blessed and comforted. Your words brougt peace to me. My father who had been battling cancer for 11 years had just been put into Hospice care in a hospice hospital an hour away from home. I had taken my mom there to stay with him and was beginning the long drive home in the dark, all alone. Then your song came on the radio, and while the snow was falling, so were the tears. It fit the situation so perfectly. I felt better about what was about to happen. That was on Monday evening, and on Friday morning I got the call. Dad had passed. When going to pick up my mom, after exiting the interstate and taking the road leading to the hospice house, your song played again. It gave me the boost I needed to face what lie ahead. I asked two of my children if they would play this at my dad’s memorial. They quickly worked it out on their guitars and my son sang, it was absolutely beautiful. What a perfect song to celebrate the life of our dear loved ones. He told my husband that he would be watching for him when he got to heaven and I know he will be saving us a place. Thank you again.

    15. 15. Candy commented:

      Sat 6/3/10, 4:08 pm

      Thank you so much for “Save a Place for Me”, it is a song of hope and comfort to all who have lost love ones.
      I lost my 14 year old daughter Tori in a car accident on April 8, 2007, Easter Sunday. All I could do is just sit there in the room where they took us to wait on the doctor to come in and tell us our daughter did not make it, saying scriptures in my mind. I truly understand what it means to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I thought is was awsome that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ chose to be there to take my baby girl home with Him on the day that He rose again. How special is that?
      I remember a few weeks after the accident, when the reality of it all starts to set in. I was awaken with Tori calling me, “Mommy, Mommy”, there are so many people here. When I go to rub my nose I’m afraid that I am going to elbow someone, and there are these hugh doors, and people come and go through those doors all the time.
      I have experienced God’s peace through this life changing event, and a life that will never be the same. If I did not have God, I would have nothing. Praise God!

    16. 16. Peggy Otto commented:

      Fri 12/3/10, 11:39 am

      Thank you so much for this site…You are a blessing to many….Peggy

    17. 17. Cheryl Cooper commented:

      Thu 25/3/10, 8:53 am

      I remember the first time I heard this beautiful song, “Save a Place for Me”. I was in my car and it came on the radio. I had to pull over because I could not see through my tears. It was as if Matthew read my mind and wrote this song. It has affected me deeply.
      My beautiful son Christopher was hit and killed by a drunk driver who was fleeing the police. Chris was crossing the street on his bike when the chase came upon him. He was 17 years old. His murder has forever changed me. The reality that I will never see my son again in my lifetime still sends me to my knees, crying out to God. It has been 124 weeks today since Christopher began his eternal life in Heaven. Christopher was a very special person. He loved fiercely and lived fearlessly. He was an exceptional athlete and had such love for life, his friends and his family. To be able to properly express what losing him has done to so many is not possible. Words can’t communicate it. I take comfort in knowing he lives on, and that his brief life on Earth brought so much joy to those of us who love him. He left behind myself, his father John and only brother Ryan, as well as hundreds of friends and family members. We still grieve him, but we remember how blessed we were to know him and love him. I know he will be there when I begin my journey, with arms open wide to welcome me. He is a part of eternity now and forever.
      Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this touching tribute. It means more than you will ever know.
      In God’s Love and Grace,
      Cheryl

    18. 18. Jay Owens commented:

      Fri 2/4/10, 11:55 am

      Our 18 year old daughter, Jessica, was killed in a traffic accident on her way to school on September 28, 2006. She was strongly committed to Christ, and was beautiful from the inside out. Her loss has devastated our lives, tested our faith, and left a cold empty pain. Still, God has been with us every second, comforting, teaching, and whispering in our ears and to our hearts. My wife told me about “Save A Place For Me” a few days ago. After a day I still hadn’t heard it, and looked up the lyrics on line… and cried. I’ve heard the song twice since then… and cried each time. Today I heard about this page on your website, and wanted to let you know how grateful I am for your having shared this song with us, and for this web page. “Save A Place For Me” has taken its place with a very small number of songs by Mercy Me, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Casting Crowns that are intensely personal to me and speak what’s in my heart more articulately than I could do myself. May God continue to comfort you in the loss of your grandmother, and bless you richly.

    19. 19. Bonnie Catt commented:

      Mon 5/4/10, 8:54 am

      Thank you so much for this. It took me almost 13 years after my mom was killed for me to actually mourn for her. I know that she is in a better place, but I still miss her so much, I miss her voice, her smile, her. I love reading the stories on this site and just crying, I’m not alone…and there is healing in tears.

    20. 20. Rhonda Melton commented:

      Mon 19/4/10, 3:03 pm

      Matthew, WOW what a song, Having lost several people throughout my life this song hits me every time I hear it. I lost my mother (March 2008),my sister (Sept. 2008) and my mother-in-law (Dec. 2009) and I think of each of them whenever I hear this but it also makes me think and pray for the unsaved people whose lives can be touched in hearing and realizing that they can see their loved one again. I know there is a place for me and I am so thankful there is mercy enough for me. Thank you for following God where He leads you….lives are being touched and changed I am sure of it.

    21. 21. Kelly Hatfield commented:

      Tue 20/4/10, 7:51 pm

      Wow! When I heard your song…Save a Place For Me…I caught myself laughing and crying at the same time. You see, when my dad died almost 5 years ago, June 15th, 2005 my mom didn’t get to say “good-bye”. She was there when I died of heat stroke and even tried to recesitate him – but failed. The Lord had taken Him home. As I got ready to leave their home after the funeral I wrote on the computer screen saver as if it was a message from my dad to my mom…”I’ll save you a place at the banquet table – I love you”. So you see why I was taken back when your song came out. Still emotional for me…

      But I can rejoice in knowing that my dad is with Jesus!

    22. 22. Brittany Zegelien commented:

      Wed 12/5/10, 11:29 pm

      So it’s been almost been three months that a friend from church my best friend and I were in an awful car crash. I can’t tell you what happened other then we wrapped around a telephone pole. My friend and I made it out alive. My best friend did not. Shawna was only 17. We were best friends for four years. It’s hard when the person you spend everyday with is gone in on afternoon. Febuary 16th is not a day I look forword to. Shawna always said that she wanted to give her life for christ. On her last Sunday she prayed that we all become one. That Tuesday rolled around. The last seconds of her life I was glad I was with her. Even though I don’t remember anything I do remember that when I came to her head was laying on my chest for the last time. She always called me her big pillow. When I heard “save a place for me” I could hear Shawna telling me that it’s okay. She’s fine and happy. I love her very dearly. Everytime I hear the song I just about cry. The song is amazing. I hope that God uses me to help other people that have lost there best friend like I did.

      Shawna Lynn Taylor you best be saving me that seat. Love you babygirl. Help me live my life like you did. :) -love ya britt britt.

    23. 23. mark canfora commented:

      Mon 24/5/10, 2:57 pm

      We met in Panama City, Florida in 2009. You helped and encouraged me with some kind words after my son Mark Jr passed away. I want you to have a book I wrote that was just released. http://www.TrueTreasuresinLife.com (Book, 3 chapters and Ebook download)
      A Child Died, A Father Cried and God Answered.
      I’ll send you the Ebook or in print if you like.

      Your friend and brother in Christ,
      Mark Canfora Sr.
      Mark Canfora Jr 1986-2005 RIP

    24. 24. JASON ANDREW TOPPIN FROM BORONIA MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA commented:

      Sat 29/5/10, 1:58 pm

      Matthew
      MU girlfriend Melissa Anne Seadon’ Grandmother passed Away in Mrasch this year.
      Prior to Melissa’s Grandmother’s passing I told Mel about Save A Place For Ne.
      Thank you for such an inspirational song Matthew.
      I am living my life Just like Jesus did/.

    25. 25. JASON ANDREW TOPPIN FROM BORONIA MELBOURNE VICTORIA AUSTRALIA commented:

      Sat 29/5/10, 1:59 pm

      Matthew
      My girlfriend Melissa Anne Seadon’ Grandmother passed Away in Marchthis year.
      Prior to Melissa’s Grandmother’s passing I told Mel about Save A Place For Ne.
      Thank you for such an inspirational song Matthew.
      I am living my life Just like Jesus did/.

    26. 26. Monica Mercer commented:

      Thu 15/7/10, 8:34 pm

      My Husband’s name was David W. Mercer. We met on January 17, 2010. We married on June 19, 2010. He went to see Jesus on July 1, 2010. Our relationship was a quick one. It was quick but it was fulfilling. He knew he loved me the day we met. ( I had to work on mine). I had been hurt really badly in the past and it took me time to realize that the love he had for me was real and sincere. Once I did, there was no turning back! We had many obsticals in our way, we lived two hours away from each other, I had children and we were worried they would not accept him, I was in college full-time, he worked 6 days a week, need I go on… He never let any of those things stop him, he pursued me and we visited each other whenever time allowed. his family fell in love with me the moment they met me. My family fell in love with him the moment they met him. My children liked him alot and wanted to see more of him. As you can see, we saw these obsticals but God saw stepping stones. As we stepped out on each stone, we were met with open arms every time. When we announced we were getting married so soon, we expected to hear family grumble. Instead, every family member supported us in all we done. We allowed God to always be first in everything we done from the begining and he blessed our relationship for it. He allowed both of us to have the kind of love for one another that some people never find. The love I shared with David will get me through the pain of him being gone. God replaced the days the locusts stole from me and him all in just the short 6 months we were together. I pray one day God will allow my pain to minister to someone in need. I know that he has David in heaven for a purpose. I know and take comfort in the fact that he will be the first person I see when I go to heaven. He will have his arms open wide and his beautiful grin on his face. God is such a good God and he allowed my precious to come home from work and be with me (the one he loved the most) as he passed away. He was in his second favorite place (most fav. is heaven). David suffered from a massive heart attack and he had no symptoms of any heart problems. My pain is unberable at times but I know it is all part of the grieving process and I will get through with God’s help. He has been carrying me through this fire since it began. I have yet to be burned and I know I will not get burned. Just as he protected the three from the fire, he is doing the same for me.

    27. 27. Michelle commented:

      Mon 26/7/10, 8:11 am

      Not only am I reminded of the loss of one of my dear friends, Erin browning who inspired the Casting Crowns song”Praise you in the storm” from cancer at age 11 but there is a more recent loss that this song brings to my mind. This past april, two seniors from my high school were killed in a car accident on the way to off campus lunch. Both were just a month away from graduating and Jacob was just daysaway from his 18th birthday. Ths song was chosen to be played at Jacobs funeral and every time I hear it am reminded of him. I’m only 16, just a junior in high school, but I’ve already experienced loss in a real way. Thank you for this song Matthew! You used to come play at our school back in 2005 and 2006and it feels like thudding was written just for us. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord, I can’t wait to hear what new things he has to say through you.

    28. 28. Dave Phillabaum commented:

      Wed 11/8/10, 8:42 am

      Matthew
      My wife passed uway on March 18, 2010. After hearing you song “Save A Place For Me”, I decided to have the song played at her funeral. So now everytime I hear this song, I think about her. Thank You for such a beautiful song. My twin daughters are living their lifes, just like their mom did.

    29. 29. Derek commented:

      Sun 15/8/10, 8:29 pm

      It’s been a year since i have seen my brother and today he came home from iraq for good he survived. But we all still need a place saved for us so god save a place for me..

    30. 30. fayth verran commented:

      Fri 20/8/10, 8:22 am

      on jan. 1st my husband and i had a perfect day. we put away christmas decorations with the best of team work. we later went for a walk. on the walk we talked about how happy we were and how our 25th wedding anniversary was coming up. he told me he loves me soo much more now and that life couldnt be better. we had 3 grandchildren and one on the way. our youngest grandchild was only 2 weeks old. we had a very special love. we called it our special thing. everyone said that they couldnt belive how our loved for each other just glowed.
      it was a perfect union blessed by God. John,my husband, had an arotic anuersym. little did i know that just a few hours after our walk that our perfect day would end with him going to be with the lord. he was only 45 we had so much to look forward. i struggled with the fact that God didnt heal him and answer my prayers. well, john had told a friend that the ultimate healing is sometimes going home to be with the lord. i know he is saving a place for me until then i hang on to GOd with alll that i can and i pray. i feel like i have gone from life abundant to just existing so i stand firm and wait on the lord. please pray for me and my family it has not been an easy year for us.

    31. 31. elizabeth commented:

      Mon 30/8/10, 5:28 am

      My dad passed away easter morning of this year. It seems that God always supplys a song for each season in my life this is the song thanks so much for the song it is a blessing

    32. 32. Kelley commented:

      Sun 12/9/10, 6:12 am

      June 9, 2010 my mom’s beautiful, larger then life soul left her body. She was gone with no warning…breathing but braindead from a huge cerebral bleed. I am still numb and in shock of losing her. I never imagined my life without her. The blessing is she was braindead. What that meant was that her heart was still beating but her brain was damaged beyond repair. The huge life force she was had left her…all that was there when I made it to the hospital after an agonizing 6 hour flight was an empty shell. As a critical care nurse I knew the implications of what I was seeing…and my family did also. On June 10th she was officially pronounced “braindead”. On June 11th I followed her to the O.R. and kissed her goodbye one last time. She donated her kidneys so that two people could come off of dialysis for a awhile…to spend time with their families and make memories. This song has given me hope. I’m not a patient person and I wish I didn’t have to wait to see her again…but I can find some strength to get through each day knowing there’s Hope. I will miss you always Mom. Not an hour of my day goes by without thoughts of you…..You are my hero and my strength.

    33. 33. Nancy commented:

      Tue 14/9/10, 5:04 pm

      Thank you so much for this wonderful song and site. This song is so touching to the heart… I put my Mom and Dad on this site. Thanks again and God bless you and your family.
      Nancy in Upstate New York

    34. 34. Candace commented:

      Wed 29/9/10, 11:03 pm

      I, too, lost my Grandma to a stroke. We didn’t seem to get along when I was younger but as I got older I realised how amazing she was. While she was in hospital everyone kept telling me how much she loved me and how much I meant to her, I only wish I had known that earlier and spent more time with her. She was strong and fun-loving and a beautiful Christian. I also lost my Grandad to a stroke. He had such a quiet strength. I remember sitting on his lap in his favourite chair everytime we visited them. Not saying anything, just sitting. I never got to meet my Nana or my Pa. Nana died before I was born and Pa moved away, then died. I miss them both so much, even though I never met them. I’m sixteen and have no Grandparents. I miss them. But I’ll see them again someday. I didn’t cry when I lost them. I cried at this video. Thank you so much. xo

    35. 35. Lisa Bryant commented:

      Sun 3/10/10, 5:50 pm

      When I was twenty one, I gave birth to my fourth child. A beautiful baby girl. I named her Caron Clarissa Bryant. She weighed 5 pounds and 14 ounces. She was a tiny little thing. She had a head full of black hair, and to me she absolutely perfect. She was my only daughter, and oh how I waited for her. On her 18th day of life, I was awakened by the sound of her brothers getting out of their bed. I gently placed my hand on her back just so I could feel her breathing. I felt nothing. I though I was being paranoid, so I pulled my hand away and put it back. Still nothing. I, then, picked her up and I knew she was gone. The mother in me wanted so badly to make her ok. My husband had called an ambulance and I tried to do CPR but I was so distrought I don’t think I was doing it correctly. Once we were at the hospital the doctor pulled me quickly into a room and told me she was gone. An autopsy was done, and my daughters cause of death was ruled as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. I went into a deep depression and it took many years for me to learn to live with her passing. The time, finally, came when I could function on an almost normal basis (whatever that is). Then, on July 11, 2009, my youngest son was hit by a truck and killed. He was 22 years old. His name is Joseph Shane Bryant. I am not sure of the details of his death other than he was walking to the store when he was hit, or perhaps it would be better if I say I’m not in agreement with what the officials say about his death. What I do know is I miss my kids so bad it takes my breath away at times. My life has been forever changed. I love the Lord Jesus with all of my heart and soul, and I, truly, believe He has a master plan.

    36. 36. Dakota commented:

      Mon 4/10/10, 12:58 pm

      On March 16, 2008, my brother’s high school sweetheart, Meghan, died in a car accident. She was only 2 months away from being 20, and she and my brother were going to marry. She was a devout christian, loved the Lord and was beautiful, inside and out. I miss her everyday, since she was like my sister. This song makes me cry every time I hear it, but I know that Meg will be waiting up in Heaven for me, my brother, and everyone else. I miss her and love her, but I am glad that this song is around to encourage me in my life.

    37. 37. Janet Glazier commented:

      Mon 4/10/10, 3:04 pm

      Thank You Matthew for giving us a place to share our sorrows.It helps to release the pain we feel.Listening to your music soothes our broken hearts.I look forward to getting your latest CD
      You’ve been blessed with such awesome talent.And we’ve been blessed that the Lord chose you deliver his Message of Faith,Hope & Love.
      Thank You again,
      Janet Glazier

    38. 38. Bonnie Sirois commented:

      Fri 8/10/10, 9:22 pm

      Thank you so much for your concert tonight at Luthren Church of Hope in West Des Moines Iowa.
      As I passed you in the hallway and said a word of thanks I was touched by your kind words
      I praise God for your music and the message you send to everyone you minster to through your music.
      If you would be so kind to pray for my son Bryan who suffers from migraine headaches since he was ten and we go a specialist is chicago every six weeks. He suffers from deppression and anxiety he is now 19. I praise God to raise him up. We have been through many valleys
      but your music inspires me in HOPE
      Love In Christ
      Bonnie Sirois
      Des Moines Iowa 515 991 4709 cell
      I know your are very busy It would inspire me to pray with you

    39. 39. Bonnie Sirois commented:

      Fri 8/10/10, 9:25 pm

      Thanks for your concert tonight in DesMoines
      You gave me Hope
      My dream some day is to pray with you
      Please pray with my son who suffers from chronic migraines your music gives me hope

    40. 40. Sharon Brinkman commented:

      Mon 11/10/10, 5:55 pm

      On April 30, 2009 my son-in-law Johan Vanniekerk beat, attempted to strangle, and then raped my daughter Donna. The next morning he drove their 3 year old daughter, Laura and his mother Brenda to a motel in Marshall. Mi. where he murdered them. Laura has 2 surviving sisters – Olivia -8 and Samantha -13. The last year and a half has been a nightmare for my daughter Donna and her girls. We have been to court 19 times, and finally had sentencing the end of September. He will serve the rest of his life in prison. Donna phoned me one day and said “Have you ever heard the song “Save a place for me” by Matthew West?
      It says exactly everything I feel. It’s like it was written for Laura and us.” I cannot thank you enough for the comfort you have brought to my daughter and grandaughters. Their deep faith in God keeps them strong. Thank you also for sharing your beautiful songs and your amazing faith with us. We will see your concert Oct. 24th at Blackhawk Ministeries in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We know it will be a wonderful memory we’ll cherish forever. God bless you Matthew.

    41. 41. Hannah Lemery commented:

      Sat 13/11/10, 10:16 pm

      Just a month ago I lost my little brother at the age of 17. He took his life and it was a HUGE shock to everyone who knew him, specifically my family. Dealing with his death is extremely hard especially since no one knew he was hurting so bad inside. This song puts my mind at ease because it reminds me that I will see him again some day. He has a spot right next to him just for me. My brother is a Christian and knowing he’s met the most perfect man in the world is baffling. Thank you so much for the meaningful words in your song. They mean so much.

    42. 42. Lisa commented:

      Tue 16/11/10, 5:51 am

      I am SO thankful for YOU, Matthew West! What a gift your music has been to me lately. I recently reconnected with a classmate of mine is battling an aggressive cancer and has opened up to me during this time. I could sit and talk to him constantly, as we talk easily and with much depth. I try to be there for him and support him with all that I can. I send him songs each time I find one that speaks to me and helps me speak to him. I want him to know how well he is cared for in God’s hand and that I’ll never forget the “time” we have him here for. He has told me that I’ve been like an angel on earth to him and that he’ll watch over my family when God takes him home. I hope he will know how precious to me our time has been. He recently likened his own death to a vacation that he’ll not return from. What a beautiful metaphor! I told him that we’d see him soon, that we’d arrive via a later flight. And, of course sent him your song Save a Place for Me. What a beautiful perspective it lends to our earthly lives ending but our life in heaven just beginning. I had the same smile on my face at the end of the song that all the people had at the end of your video. Simply beautiful. (LY, G!)

    43. 43. Troy commented:

      Wed 17/11/10, 7:28 pm

      i am glad there is a place were those that have passed can be rememberd because no one in my family was hit as hard as i was when my grand father passed i guess thats because im ht every day there is not one day i wish i had not seen it im 14 and i am hurt every day i wake up and dont see him

    44. 44. madeline commented:

      Wed 24/11/10, 11:12 am

      I lost my son 26yrs old on Aug.12, 2010 from pulmonary embolism..healthy young man ..diagnosed on dec 2009.. He loved the lord with all his heart..Dont know where to go to for comfort…I heard your song and tell my son Eric who would have been 27 yrs old 11/29/10
      to save a place for me…

    45. 45. Kim Ybarra commented:

      Sat 18/12/10, 8:22 pm

      I lost my daddy on March 23 of this year. He would be mad if he knew how much I cry. Thank you for this song.

    46. 46. Shannan H commented:

      Tue 18/1/11, 12:02 pm

      I love this song. I just lost my wonderful stepmom sunday night to heart complications. I have visited her in the ICU for the past 3 months. I prayed that she would come home with us. She was amazing. She taught me how to live my life and I am saddened by the fact that she will not be at my graudation from highscool in may, but I know she will be by my side cheering me on from Heaven. I turned on KLOVE the day after her passing and this is the first song that played. It sent tears to my eyes instantly. I will be singing this song at her funeral on saturday. Thank you so much Matthew for the words and music that finally can bring some peace to my soul.

    47. 47. Betty Jones commented:

      Mon 24/1/11, 9:31 pm

      My dear, sweet friend Polly has been in heaven decorating my space for almost 1 year now. She was a very talented lady who inspired me to do so much more than I thought I was capable of, and showed everyone such love! When I hear this song I am reminded that God knows when its time for us to come home. Through my tears I can see her preparing my space close to hers! Thank you Matthew for a beautiful song that reminds me of the hope we have of that heavenly home! I love and miss you Polly!

    48. 48. cindy hall commented:

      Mon 14/2/11, 12:17 pm

      You know God is so good and can truely speak to you. I was sitting at my desk, feeling sad about the loss of my only sister, who has been gone for 18 months, when something just told me to google the title of this song. It had meant so much to me the few months after she passed away. I had no idea that there was a site with these memorials. God is good to encourage us through others faith and this site. I sometimes forget how personal he is to our every need. I miss her so, but am encouraged by every story on this site, that she’s “Saving A Place For Me”. Thank you Matthew West for sharing a very personal song, to touch so many!

    49. 49. Naomi Moore commented:

      Fri 18/2/11, 3:08 pm

      On December 2, 2010, my husband’s sister, his only sibling and one of my closest friends went to be with Jesus. Stephanie Jean Moore Verratti, 26 years old. Stephanie was on her way to work just like any other day, when her car slid on black ice and collided with a tractor trailer. The truck driver is also a Christian. Stephanie lived her life for Jesus Christ and she knew how to love! Her place was prepared and God called her home. We miss you Stephanie and it hurts but we still thank Jesus for you and we can’t wait to see you soon!

    50. 50. Matty Morse commented:

      Wed 23/2/11, 8:21 pm

      I had a friend named Mark Sean Quinlan, a month older than I was. He was a Christian and was the second son of our pastor at church. He was a “Either made you happy or made you crabby” kind of guy. He had everything going for him; looks, athletics, gaming, art, music, everything. He was a little wordly, but he knew that Jesus was his only thing he needed. On Oct 10, 2010, He was dropping off his girlfriend on an extremely rainy day in Maine. When he was coming home, he went too fast around a corner. He ended up crashing into multiple trees, killing him instantly. Almost half of Ellsworth felt the pain with his family, because he had made such an outreach of his faith. The funny thing is was that some of Mark’s friends and I were having an all-nighter party the night before he died and we were talking about all the great times we had together. I don’t know if that was God preparing us for Mark’s departure, but it still hurts to hear his name brought up. When I was teased for my outward appearance, he kept telling me it was only the inside of my heart that mattered. If it wasn’t for Mark… If he never was in my life, I don’t know how differently it would’ve been. Save a place for me Mark; I’ll be there soon.

    51. 51. Deby commented:

      Thu 24/2/11, 4:07 pm

      I lost my husband New Years Ever 2010.. he was the most wonderful husband, stepfather, son, brother and friend. We are both saved and I know that he is waiting for the day that we will be able to be together again to praise the Lord Jesus Christ and live forever in His glory.. but for now I really miss him and on a rainy night like tonight I miss him more then ever… I love this song as it says what I wish I could say to him and if there is anyway that he could hear this song, I know he would know it is from the bottom of my heart.. Save a place for me Scotty, I will be there soon…

    52. 52. brittnee commented:

      Tue 8/3/11, 11:27 am

      My family just lost an amzing mom a week ago tomorrow. She was married to my dad when I was 2 to 13 years old. She continued to be a part of my life and has been there for me and treated as if I was one of her own. My 3 sisters and I lost her to domestic violence last week in a murder suicide. It will take time to heal but this song has touched us all, and give us much hope that we will again see her in heaven and that she will save a place for all of us.

    53. 53. Maria commented:

      Sat 12/3/11, 6:25 pm

      On March 2, 2011 I lost my father, the greatest man I’ll ever know. A dear friend of mine shared Save a Place For Me with me and it is EXACTLY what I would say to my father if I could see and talk to him right now. It is a beautiful song!

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