TobyMac Honors His Son Truett Through an Emotional Song “21 Years”

Editor’s note: This is a statement written and released by TobyMac.

“21 years” is a song I wrote about the recent passing of my firstborn son, Truett Foster McKeehan. I loved him with all my heart.

Until something in life hits you this hard, you never know how you will handle it.

I am thankful that I have been surrounded by love, starting with God’s and extending to community near and far that have walked with us and carried us every day.

Writing this song felt like an honest confession of the questions, pain, anger, doubt, mercy and promise that describes the journey I’m probably only beginning. The rest is yet to come.

One thing I know is that I am not alone.

God didn’t promise us a life of no pain or even tragic death, but He did promise He would never leave us or forsake us.

And I’m holding dearly to that promise for my son as well as myself.

–  TobyMac

How to Pray for TobyMac and His Family
God didn’t promise us a life of no pain or even tragic death, but He did promise He would never leave us or forsake us. -@TobyMac Click To Tweet
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

67 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Tina
Tina
January 10, 2020 8:36 am

Beautiful song. So sorry for your loss, I know exactly how you feel. I lost my beautiful boy at 21 as well. We are in a club nobody wants to be in. Much love and continued prayers ♥️

carrie camargo
carrie camargo
Reply to  Tina
January 11, 2020 10:21 am

Oh wow I am at a loss for words my son forever 19

Tina
Tina
Reply to  Tina
January 12, 2020 10:02 pm

What a beautiful and comforting song. My 22 year old first born son took his life in November 22nd 2019. I do not want to be a part of this club but I now have no choice. I’m sorry for all of your losses. I can truly say I understand how every one of you feel. Thankful for songs like this one to give me hope that my son is in heaven and very happy now. ❤️

Kym
Kym
Reply to  Tina
January 13, 2020 12:38 pm

I’m so sorry! All of these posts wreck me! This song blows my mind. I’m also in the club after losing 4 of my 7 children… It all hurts and I pray for every heart here, the healing that God alone gives. Jesus is the son he watched die for us, do he knows this pain that we feel first hand. And he promises us relief from that. I can tell you this… Now it doesn’t consume me everyday like it did in the past. But I had to let time pass and remember that Ill see them again one… Read more »

Kathlyn Cunningham
Kathlyn Cunningham
Reply to  Tina
January 13, 2020 6:43 pm

I am in your club also. I lost my 21 year old son.

Vera
January 10, 2020 10:32 am

I am sorry for the loss of you son. I lost my daughter when she was 16 years old. She was the only girl out of six and my first child. God;, how it hurts to lose a child knowing you could not save them. I keep her in my heart . I pray for peace in your life which as a Christian you have. His peace is what saw me through the night I got the call. My prayers for you & your family. Beautiful song & touched my heart.

Angie Tidwell
Angie Tidwell
Reply to  Vera
January 10, 2020 7:22 pm

So sorry for your loss Vera. I lost my son at the age of 17 in 2004. God Bless you!

Michelle
Michelle
January 10, 2020 6:20 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. It has been 9 weeks since I lost my 15 year old son. I want to thank for sharing this song. It speaks to my soul. Sending love and prayers to all of you.❤️

Kay Crisp
Kay Crisp
January 10, 2020 9:40 am

I know how it feels to lose your first born son, the memories scream at me all the time! My son Keith was just so intelligent and his laugh would warm your soul. I miss him, now and forever <3 Rest in Peace, my precious first born. Mom!

Trish
Trish
January 10, 2020 8:22 am

Mine would be 28 years. Wish I could expresd my feelings like he can. This song and scars will mak me cry every time. But then I have to smile because I was blessed to have my son in my life for 28 years.

Colleen Donelli
Colleen Donelli
January 10, 2020 3:31 pm

Toby, How I love your song. Cried while listening…❤️😢💔. Lost my daughter Katie… age 23…,A beautiful Christian girl…diagnosed with brain cancer in June and passed September of the same year (2016). Graduate of Liberty. Loved God. This is a difficult journey, the walk of a bereaved parent….. May we glorify God, as our children would have us to, while we wait to see them again! Maybe her testimony will bless you…. “God is everything!”
https://youtu.be/UvbigGx81FA

Dusti
Dusti
January 10, 2020 9:42 am

Strong and powerful song. Toby I think of your family often with prayers. May God continue to use you to reach this generation. Much love! ❤️

Keri
Keri
January 10, 2020 10:08 am

Toby this is a beautiful tribute to your son! What a lovely way to to share your heart, your journey, your life and your son with the world. God bless you in your walk through grief and loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. My family has been through deep and horrible grief and I can tell you HE IS FAITHFUL IN IT!

Tammy
January 10, 2020 5:43 pm

I know exactly how to pray. It’s only temporary you will see him again. My husband and I lost our first born. God blessed us with him for 25 years. I was told by a pastor that your blessings come from what you have left. You have to live for the living. Prayers are going up for this family because I know first hand how bad it hurts. But God will perfect all things. Even this. Keep your eyes on him.

Beth barbee
Beth barbee
January 10, 2020 6:12 pm

I’ve listened to alot of your songs for hope as a recovering addict after losing my daughter she was 3 months old and I lost myself because I quit praying I was angry today i have done a healing cry from this and I’m thankful for how God works it reminds me why I started to begin with and all will be ok I’m praying for you!

Amy Radon
Amy Radon
January 10, 2020 9:24 pm

Every word, every feeling…… I understand. I lost my 22 year old son to suicide 4 weeks ago. There is no feeling that can cover the range of emotions. But somehow you do it in your song !
You are a gift and so is this song. My love and prayers to you! 🙏❤️

Angie
Angie
January 10, 2020 9:35 am

I lost my oldest daughter at 23, she would be 26 this year. Prayers for him and his family, it is such a hard journey that sometimes doesn’t seem to get better.

Michelle
Michelle
January 10, 2020 6:18 pm

I lost my son at 15 and I can’t tell you how much this song speaks to me. Thank you for sharing and I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and love to all of you.

Deborah
Deborah
January 10, 2020 7:18 pm

Beautiful tribute, prayers for you. I lost my son to a tragic car accident he was 25 and it has been 19 months today.

Tammie Adams
Tammie Adams
January 10, 2020 8:36 pm

Lost my oldest, who was also my son, 10 years ago in a senseless tragic accident (related to his being ADHD). Miss him every single day. You will never stop grieving him. The better days begin to out number the bad days but they never go away. I’m a sold out Christ Follower as was our son. I know where he is and have had visitation dreams from him. Actually, shortly after the accident you came to Cumming, GA and did a concert for our church, First Baptist Cumming. It had to be that same year, 2009. Your music really… Read more »

Melissa
Melissa
January 11, 2020 11:58 am

Toby, the day your song came out was the fifth month anniversary of my sweet 18 year old Katelyn running into the Arms of Jesus! She was a mighty young woman of God! she told everyone about Jesus ! she had had four brain surgeries, suffered with 12 years of seizures and type 1 diabetes pushed ahead with one hand with Jesus! Katelyn finished her first year of college received an internship with the Washington Times she was one week away from coming home when God called her to her forever home. she had a massive seizure in her sleep.… Read more »

Jill Omari
January 10, 2020 7:31 am

Well done! Tears and praying God’s strength for the journey

Janet Link
Janet Link
January 10, 2020 8:51 am

Beautiful and heartfelt song. God bless you and carry you through this pain. Tears and prayers for you & your family. 🙏🙏

Doreen Taylor
Doreen Taylor
January 10, 2020 9:29 am

Yes, the club. No one can truly understand this unless they have had God’s will thrown upon them. Our son was 30. A beautiful, smart and sweet man. I will include you in my prayers and hope that your suffering can be answered.

Lanita
Lanita
January 10, 2020 2:26 pm

We lost our youngest when he was 4. He would be 28. I know he is in heaven as is your son. It will Be a wonderful reunion when we see our children again. God Will get you and your family thru this.

Kathryn Keithley
Kathryn Keithley
January 10, 2020 5:17 pm

Very touching & heartfelt song. I had my son for just shy of 36 years so I feel your pain. I know that our children are only lent to us. I am so very grateful for the years I was able to have him. Prayers for you & your family as you join others on this journey.

Gerrit Williams Sr
Gerrit Williams Sr
January 10, 2020 6:59 pm

My wife and I just listened to your song and I can’t imagine the pain and sorrow you and your family have been going through these last few months. Your words are perfect for any of our children no matter where they are in life and the pain you showed in the words has touched our hearts. We aren’t in your shoes yet we continue to pray for your family and know your words will touch so many others as the tears wash over our eyes and remind us of the memories, both good and bad, of our kids as… Read more »

Jon Priest
Jon Priest
January 10, 2020 8:36 pm

Thank you for sharing TobyMac. You are not alone! My son went home to our Lord and Savior Jesus 12 years ago. Following is a link to my testimony from 2018. I want to share with you. I hope it helps you. God bless you and your family my brother.

https://youtu.be/KvjADmAje5E

Lillie Santana
Lillie Santana
January 10, 2020 9:31 pm

Dear Toby thank you for these lyrics. I lost my son and only child at age 20 to a homicide. Its been 6 months and the hurt is still raw. I’m sorry for your loss. I’m not sure how all this will pan out because right now I can’t see past my grief. We only had eachother because I was a single parent. Now I’m alone with seemingly nothing to look forward to. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Debra
Debra
January 10, 2020 10:57 pm

I lost my 21 year old Marine Son on New Years Day 2018. According to his girlfriend who was injured in the motorcycle accident caused by a wreckless driver, my prodigal Son was a month away from coming to see me for the first time in ten years. I have written a great deal of poetry out of this loss; and I also paint the feelings I have experienced in this grief journey. But each January 1, I “ring in the new year” by singing Amazing Grace in celebration that I have that blessed hope of seeing my Son again… Read more »

Kayla Watts
Kayla Watts
January 11, 2020 10:06 pm

As the child still living I encourage all to remember this is a club none of us want to belong to either. And when you are a young sibling it can be more confusing than I can explain. I’m praying for you and all of your other children who now are the members of this club…

Debbie McQuitty
Debbie McQuitty
January 11, 2020 6:06 am

I cannot imagine the hurt that you and your family must be feeling… Thank you so much for the inspiration that you bring to others and I pray for healing

Nancy
Nancy
January 11, 2020 1:56 pm

I love this song. I can tell it was written out of extreme pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I just can’t even begin to imagine…………

joyce segelhorst
joyce segelhorst
January 10, 2020 10:58 am

amazing!! Praying for Toby and his family

Janie
January 10, 2020 11:39 am

God will keep you in this time & season of your lost & pain! HE loves you with a everlasting Love! That surpasses all understanding ❣ GOD only knows your lost & pain…
For HE lost HIS own HE sacrifice US All❣
Lean Into That Never Changing Hand to lead you & yours till that glorious day you meet again❣
TRUST BELIEVE & OBEY❣

Robert L Jones
Robert L Jones
January 10, 2020 2:39 pm

so sorry for your loss Toby Mac God Bless you and your family . I shared this with my cousin . she and her husband just lost their daughter of 31.. I pray for her too . God Bless you.

Tammy
January 10, 2020 5:46 pm

Your song said it all. Thanks for sharing. Much love to you and your family 💔🙏

Kelly
Kelly
January 10, 2020 7:50 pm

You guys are touching lots of us out here. Deep. The waves will not drown us. He has us by his righteous right hand. Love and prayers to you and your beautiful family.

Lexi
January 10, 2020 8:18 pm

Wow. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I pray for you and others who have experienced this much weigh on your shoulders and that God carry it all on his shoulders. Peace be with you all.

Robin E. Jones
Robin E. Jones
January 11, 2020 6:58 am

What a beautiful song. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. No one wants to belong to this club but thankfully you don’t have to do it alone. I lost my only son, Zach on 9/3/11 in a tragic accident. Forever 23 gone but never forgotten. One second one breathe at a time. 🙏❤️

Nevetta
Nevetta
January 11, 2020 8:35 am

I’m currently not sure how I am going to stop crying after seeing this. I can’t even.

We love you Toby, and the Entire DC Fam!!!

Rosalind
Rosalind
January 11, 2020 8:52 am

So sorry. Your song is beautiful and I feel it! How awesome is that?! I lost my 20 year old son, Dru, October 16. Grief is a long, hard road that won’t end until we are reunited. I’m so thankful God gave him to me for as long as I had him. Much love and peace to all. ❤️

Rolan Collins
Rolan Collins
January 11, 2020 10:24 am

This song reminds me so much of when we watched our son at 23 and 2007 especially a part of them taking your shoes I’ve always listen to your music I think it’s great I’m really sorry about your son

Lynne
Lynne
January 11, 2020 5:35 pm

What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful son!! My son, Matthew, listened to your songs all the time and saw you and Mandisa in concert a few months before he was killed in a car accident on August 15th, 2018, he was 36. One of his favorite songs was “I just need U” and he had me listen to it several times and we played it at his funeral. It was the hardest time of my life, but I know he is with God and God always keeps his promises, so we will see them again. My heart hurts for… Read more »

Teresa Schakat
Teresa Schakat
January 11, 2020 9:30 pm

Heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son, I lost my firstborn son as well, he was 27, brain cancer took him.

Chris
Chris
January 11, 2020 9:53 pm

Beautiful song….I share your pain my brother, we lost our son on August 11th 2019, three days before his 23rd Birthday. My Love and Prayers are with you and all those that are suffering, I know my beautiful boy would not want anyone suffering with heartache and he would want us to carry on and I know we will through the strong hands of the lord and the strength of my girls but the pain will always be there, God Bless You All.

Jodie Fox
Jodie Fox
January 11, 2020 11:40 pm

Beautiful song. Sorry for your families loss

Vicki
Vicki
January 11, 2020 11:45 pm

6 years ago I lost my only daughter, my best friend, my 19 year old beautiful inside and out, wonder. I have faith in God. She’s shown me plenty to where I really don’t need faith because I KNOW. BUT I’m full of anger. The love of my life broke it off two months later and I have been single since. Days are fine but nights alone are intolerable. I’m 52 and ready for God to take me home except I have two boys that I have to be here for. I fear I’ve not been a good role model… Read more »

Kari Rough
January 12, 2020 12:27 am

Beautiful & Real Thank you for putting many of our feelings into such a perfect ‘pei/ace’. Love the song. Love the vid. Your unique path on this shared journey by only those of us who live this hell, is powered by thousands of prayers and the One, who Ran to Truett (and both of mine..Meagan & Kody), who received each prayer, transformed them into a Blessing and sent it straight back down here to those of us left behind and our onlookers. We aren’t getting further away from the Lives of our kids @TobyMac , we are yet another day… Read more »

Clara Dearman
Clara Dearman
January 12, 2020 10:12 am

Beautiful song I’m so sorry for the loss of your son I know exactly how you feel it will be 3 years March 9th 2020 for my one and only son

Kristi
Kristi
January 12, 2020 5:44 pm

I lost daughter at the age of 8 years and 6 days and it’s been almost 9 years still feels like yesterday

Maryanne
January 12, 2020 7:27 pm

My heart bleeds for you.
God bless you and yours family.. Be strong !!

Auril
Auril
January 13, 2020 9:56 am

What a wonderful tribute! How well I know the pain of losing a child. January 21 will be two years since I lost my only child, my beautiful boy. He was 27 years old. I take comfort in the lines “…God has him in His arms, I have him in my heart..”

Margaret Ficaj
Margaret Ficaj
January 13, 2020 12:21 pm

oh my goodness. What an absolutely beautiful song and tribute

Rhonda S.
January 13, 2020 1:53 pm

My heart is broken for you and your family. The minute I heard your son passed away I began to pray. I know your pain all to well, you see I Iost my first born son on March 25, 2019.. He was murdered by his roommate after they argued over a garage can. His name was Evan and he was 28 years old. I love the lyrics of this beautiful tribute to your son it really spoke to my spirit and reminded me again of my son and God’s love for us. Thank you for sharing, I’ve always enjoyed your… Read more »

00:00 / 00:00
67
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x