Yesterday afternoon, I turned on the radio (KEXP, of course) DJ Eva Walker was in covering for Kevin, I wasn’t there for the beginning of it all, but a most unusual – dare I say sacred – thing was unfolding.
Apparently, a long-time listener and lover of music was dying. From what I was piecing together, he was in his hospital room, having exhausted all cancer treatments. This would likely be his last day. He was surrounded by those who loved him… and he wanted KEXP radio playing during throughout it all. His name is Ken.
Some of the friends and family who were with Ken in the hospital starting writing or calling into the station dedicating songs and sending words of gratitude, blessing, and sharing memories. Hearing this on the radio, old friends of Ken’s, touch by his life, started adding their messages and songs of sending. This was powerfully moving, especially in a cultural context which so often lives in denial of death. Soon, others too, who hadn’t met Ken until this moment – touched but what we were hearing – added words and musical suggestions to the hallowed mix.
As you might imagine it felt holy. One of the songs was a cover of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” hauntingly reimagined by King Hannah. To hear this song within this context felt deathly intimate, almost like a glimpse into a dying person’s exchange with their Creator calling them home. So beautiful.
I don’t know if Ken is still with us. But this I do know, it was a gift to have a small glimpse into his sacred journey. Bless you Ken. And thank you.
Remember… you are not alone!
Like a Prayer
Cover by King Hannah (Original by Madonna)
Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like home I hear your voice It's like an angel sighing I have no choice I hear your voice It feels like flying I close my eyes Oh God, I think I'm falling Out of the sky I close my eyes Heaven, help me When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there Like a child You whisper softly to me You're in control Just like a child Now I'm dancing When you call my name It's like a little prayer I'm down on my knees I wanna take you there In the midnight hour I can feel your power Just like a dream You know I'll take you there Life is a mystery Everyone must stand alone I hear you call my name And it feels like home
Peace, dwight
