recalled!

I had a very sobering experience this morning when I arrived at school. A friend of mine, who served 8 years in the United States Navy (and was discharged in 2000), has been recalled by the military with a strong chance of being sent to Iraq. He was pacing outside the Dean's office, in full uniform, waiting to talk to the people in the office because he has to report in Detroit by 1:30 this afternoon. It was chilling to see this image of him in full desert camo juxtaposed against the quiet serenity of the library school--it made me thankful that I am Canadian and live in a country at peace. The stress and pain on his face almost physically hurt me. This guy is 32 years old (!), when most soldiers are in their early 20's, and is one semester away from finishing his Masters and now he is totally unsure of what the future holds for him. He's served his time for the U.S. Navy, but has no choice now but to report for a physical and with the chance that he may not be back here for a long time. Say a prayer for my friend, will you...