Don't Take the Girl
Tim McGraw

Johnny's daddy was taking him fishing'
When he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate holdin' a fishing pole
His dad looked down and smiled, said we can't leave her behind
Son I know you don't want her to go but someday you'll change your mind
And Johnny said take Jimmy Johnson, take Tommy Thompson, take my best friend Bo
Take anybody that you want as long as she don't go
Take any boy in the world
Daddy please don't take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Ten years down the road
He held her tight and kissed her lips
In front of the picture show
Stranger came and pulled a gun
Grabbed her by the arm said if you do what I tell you to, there won't be any harm
And Johnny said take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards
Here's the watch that my grandpa gave me
Here's the key to my car
Mister give it a whirl
But please don't take the girl

Same old boy
Same sweet girl
Five years down the road
There's going to be a little one and she says it's time to go
Doctor says the baby's fine but you'll have to leave
'cause his momma's fading fast and Johnny hit his knees and there he prayed
Take the very breath you gave me
Take the heart from my chest
I'll gladly take her place if you'll let me
Make this my last request
Take me out of this world
God, please don't take the girl

Johnny's daddy
Was taking him fishing'
When he was eight years old

The Love Note

Dear Kara,

While I have faith that we will always be together and that we will be reunited whenever we have to part at the end of this life, the thought of not being with you makes me so very sad. This song reminds me of how precious you are to me. I love to spend time with you, talk with you, laugh with you, watch you dance, share, plan, and grow with you. Even though we fight sometimes, not that I enjoy it, but I do like that we both have strong opinions, are passionate people, and have strong wills. I love that you are a strong and intelligent woman. When the time comes for one of us to go, I will desperately miss your companionship. I am so grateful that that separation will only be for a short time. I love you with all my heart.

Your best fried ever, forever,

Jonny

The GREAT Relationship Principle

Value and treasure what you have while you have it... and you'll get to keep it. I loathe the phrase, “You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.” I remember hearing that as a teenager, and I thought, “Well, that’s stupid! Why can’t I appreciate what I have while I have it.” Fortunately, that lesson stuck with me and became a central focus of my relationship with my wife and my children.