If you're reading this........

I had a good old fashioned cry today. You know, the ugly kind of cry, where your eye make up rolls black streaks down your cheeks, where you are sobbing so loud, you hope that no one catches you. It rivaled my cry of last night, after I read the story of Elizabeth Edwards in People Magazine (her final chapter-more on that in a future blog). Today's cry was because I listened to the song that Tim McGraw sang live at the country music awards show a couple months ago. I cried then too, I hadn't been able to listen again until today. It touched me today just as much. Grated, during the awards show rehearsals that Tim McGraw told very few people affiliated what he would be performing that night. There was a big buzz as to what was the big secret. He wanted to make a statement. He did. He sang his heart out in a blacked out stage with only a spotlight on him. At the end of the song the lights dimly lit up 100 actual family members of 32 lost soldiers holding candles. It was a poignant moment. Some family members held photos of their loved ones, while others held flowers and signs. Tim McGraw and his lovely wife, Faith Hill paid all expenses for the families to travel and attend the show. The audience gave a 5 minute standing ovation at the end of the song, and there was not a dry eye in the house (as the camera panned the audience).
The song was written my two of my favorite artist and song writers, Brett and Brad Warren, along with McGraw. The lyrics are below. If you happen to turn the radio dial and come across this song, stop, grab a Kleenex and listen-and pray for our hero's, our servicemen and women.


Tim McGraw Lyrics - If You’re Reading This Lyrics
If you’re reading this My mammas sitting there
Looks like I only got a one-way ticket over here
I sure wish I could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids
Well I’m laying down my gun I’m hanging up my boots
I’m up here with God And we’re both watching over you
So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul is where my mamma always prayed that it would go
And if you’re reading this I’m already home
If you’re reading this Half way around the world
I won’t be there to see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you I hope she fights like me
Stands up for the innocent and the weak
I’m laying down my gun I’m hanging up my boots
Tell dad I don’t regret that I followed in his shoes
So lay me down In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul Is where my momma always prayed that it would go
And if you’re reading this I’m already home
If you’re reading this There’s gonna come a day
When you move on and find someone else And that’s ok
Just remember this :I’m in a better place
Where soldiers live in peace And angels sing Amazing Grace
So lay me down In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul Is where my momma always prayed that it would go
And if you’re reading this If you’re reading this I’m already home
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If You’re Reading This Lyrics - Tim McGraw Song Words
Single Song Words by Artist / Band : Tim McGraw
Lyrics Title : If You’re Reading This
Taken from Album : Let It GoSingle
Released : June 2007
Music Genre : country music
Photo Credit:ACM
song writers: Brett & Brad Warren

*To support troops you can visit an of the web sites on my blog (many are posted under, "Nick Walsh I salute you" in memoriam. You can also visit Tim McGraw's web site, www.timmcgraw.com