Balto If You're Reading This
I don't own this song, but I do own this story.
Balto is a marine bomb dog squad dog in Afghanistan. Today while out on patrol, he and his squad were ambushed while walking the streets. Balto was shot mortally and knows his time is short; from his M.A.S.H. bed, he writes a final goodbye to his family in Nome.
If you're reading this, my momma's sittin there; looks like I only got a one way ticket over here. Sure wish I could give you one more kiss; war was just a game we played when we were kids. Well I'm layin down my gun. I'm hangin up my boots. I'm up here with God and we're both watchin over you.
Balto has to stop because a sharp wave of pain courses through his body.
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. If you're readin this, I'm already home.
Balto lays back his head and thinks of his mate Jenna.
If you're readin this, halfway 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; and stands up for the innocent and the weak.
Balto tears up at the thought of his daughter not having a father growing up.
Well I'm layin down my gun. I'm hangin 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. If you're readin this, I'm already home.
Once again Balto thinks of Jenna and writes…
If you're readin this, there's gonna come a day, when you move on and find someone else and that's okay. 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. If you're readin this, if you're readin this, I'm already home.
It wasn't long after he finished writing that his brave heart stopped pumping and he lay limp. Later that very same day, every single member of his family had a dog arrive at their doorstep with a folded up American Flag and a copy of Balto's final words that he so longed to be able to tell himself.
- There it is. Ten years ago today, two planes were deliberately flown into the World Trade Center by members of Alquiada. Roughly ninety minutes later, they collapsed; taking with them, thousands of lives. Shortly after, a plane went crashed into the Pentagon, and very shortly after that, Flight 93 went down in an empty field in Pennsylvania; the hijacker's plans were foiled by American bravery. This is dedicated to all the brave heroes and civilians who died on that fateful day. "Terrorist attacks may bring down our tallest buildings; but they will not shake the foundation of our country." Former President George Walker Bush Junior.