For Nashville.

I didn't grow up in Nashville. In fact, my husband and I have only called this place our home since December of 2006. Maybe a little before that, because when I stepped off the plane at Nashville International Airport for the first time in August of 2005 for a music visit with Josh's Orange County songwriting community, I told him I felt like I had come home. We weren't married yet, we wouldn't move for another year and a half, but at that moment it was settled: Nashville would be my home.

My home is underwater.

Our first home in Nashville, a beautiful 2-story townhome in Bellevue, privately owned and rented to us by a lovely single lady, literally was under water. The Harpeth River that flowed lazily behind a large field behind our little subdivision at the tail end of Coley Davis Road turned into a raging beast and rose 33 feet, engulfing the countless subdivisions leading off of the 4 mile stretch of Coley Davis Road - a two lane road that is the only way in, and the only way out. Watching the aerial footage made my heart hurt and my stomach sick. We thought of our neighbor Amber, a single mom my age who owned the cute little townhome next to ours. We thought of our friend Karen, so proud of her beautiful, first little place where she had us over for game night and appetizers. Without warning or anyone's prediction, the water rose quickly on a Sunday, a day when I probably would have been purposely watching no news, very likely napping on my couch. I can't imagine the horror my neighbors experienced that day. And the loss and devastation won't be fully understood for days.

Yesterday, as footage showed the Cumberland River continuing to rise, my heart sank. Downtown is the heart and soul of Nashville. Efforts to clean up the city have been astoundingly successful, and especially along Broadway and 2nd Ave. are places that define Nashville in my heart. The honky tonks on Broadway, the history and vibrant life and music they offer. Demos' where you will be treated like family and eat far too many of the best rolls you've ever tasted in your life. The Ryman, enough said. The breathtaking Schermerhorn Symphony Center. The Nashville Public Library, State Capitol, Farmer's Market, Tennessee State Museum, and the list goes on and on. And our beloved Buffalo Billiards on 2nd Ave. I've yet to see it with my own eyes, but I have heard that floodwaters overnight overtook 2nd Ave.

A place that has become a second home in our hearts, Franklin, was one of the hardest hit. Pictures and footage of parts of the town we know, love and always show off proudly to our visitors were surreal - I just can't get an image of someone canoeing down 5th Ave. out of my mind.

But that's a beautiful example of why I know Nashville is going to be ok. People here are different than anywhere else I've ever encountered. Like that man in that canoe - he was out rescuing people who had been stranded in their cars when the water quickly attacked. As news broke of the horrific conditions in Bellevue, not only law enforcement rescue boats showed up, but locals wanting to lend a hand. Over 1,000 people were rescued from Coley Davis Road Sunday afternoon, a large proportion by Good Samaritans who had a boat and came to help.

The people of Nashville are good people. We care about our neighbor. We hear of a need and we try to meet it. We are proud of our city and will work to make her well, to shine again. Today, much of Nashville is still under water. But she's going to make it, and she's going to be the home we all know and love again.

And this is where, possibly, you come in. Nashville has a long road ahead. If you feel so moved, would you consider sending reinforcements? There are several churches taking donations, and as always, the Red Cross. And if you're the praying kind, Nashville could sure use some of your prayers right now.

One other request, inspired by our dear friend Jason Bradford: Come Visit Nashville. Not today, unless you want to come and help rebuild - in which case bring a hammer and all your friends. But this fall, when we've had a chance to collect ourselves and get back to putting on a good show for you. Tourism is an important aspect of Nashville's economy, and we're going to need all the help we can get. If you've visited here before, you get it - there's something special about Nashville. Most people who have come to visit us have considered moving here. Actually, I can't think of a single one who didn't at least say they could see themselves living here, and a few have actually made the leap. So come. If I know you personally, you can stay on the queen-size, elevated, super comfy air mattress in our living room - I'll take care of you. If I don't know you personally, let me know if you're coming in to town and I will show you a time, take you to all the places I love that make Nashville home to me.

Please open your heart to Nashville, in any way you can. I promise you - Nashville will not disappoint.

This is a beautiful video (I stole from Jason Bradford) to give you a glimpse of what happened here Sunday. You don't know these places, so there's not much frame of reference. Here's a hint: there's not supposed to be water most of the places you see water.