On May 27th, the Texas State House of Representatives passed House Resolution 3029 about my work in education and community service through music.  I was honored, of course, but it turns out the resolution could not possibly have come at a better time.  Here is my letter of thanks.

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Dear Representative Naishtat,

I was deeply honored to learn of the passing of House Resolution 3029 on May 27th in the Texas State House of Representatives concerning my work in service through music to our Central Texas Community.  One copy of the beautifully-prepared resolution is proudly displayed by my desk in my office at the Austin Classical Guitar Society.

I flew this week with my second copy to Sandusky, Ohio on the occasion of my grandfather’s 100th birthday.  Born on June 21st, 1913, Dr. Harold Eugene Snedden has had a rich life of hard work, dedicated service, and rich devotion to faith and family.  He went go to medical school and became an orthopedic surgeon in 1941, and enlisted immediately in the Air Force where he served in England as a flight surgeon during World War II in the 357th Fighter Group.  He had a long and distinguished career as a surgeon in North-Eastern Ohio, and has had an incredibly active retirement blessed with great health, and dedicated focus on everything from making furniture to dancing and honing his pool game.

He became ill just weeks before his 100th birthday, and while it was a wondrous gift to celebrate the day with him, and many of my relatives, our visit this week may very well have been our last.  His eyes, along with most other parts, are old and tired and often a little painful these days.

I thought of things that might bring him joy and, with his deep service to our country (and his time in San Antonio, Texas, before shipping out to England), I thought he might particularly enjoy seeing House Resolution 3029.  When I gave it to him, I thought I might describe it briefly and hopefully get a smile.  But instead he put on his glasses and read every single word of that resolution – pausing for fifteen to thirty seconds between paragraphs to rest his eyes.  Seeing his smile, and his healing, powerful old hands grasping that document is something I’ll never forget.  When he finally finished he looked me in the eyes and asked, “Can I have that?”  Of course I said yes, and – as was always his way – he carefully instructed me precisely where he’d like it kept.

I cannot thank you enough, Representative Naishtat, for this wonderful honor that has come at such an important time,

Dr. Matthew Hinsley

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Read the full text of the resolution here.