Down for Maintenance

Taking some time off for reflection, and to get away from this computer.

Other priorities are demanding my attention again. I hope to be back in a few weeks with renewed enthusiasm.

As a parting thought, I was privileged to be in attendance at a function last night where the mother of a Canadian soldier was speaking just days after seeing her son off on his way to Afghanistan.

Although they were both very cognizant of the danger, she talked with pride about her son's desire to help another country become free, and in the process for himself to become a better person.

As a mother myself who just had two children out of the country for the past few weeks, I cannot imagine what she is going through in this situation.

But I admire her courage, and the courage and conviction of her son.

They are both models of the highest level of humanity - when we can get beyond our own petty needs and desires, and actually do something to try to improve the world.

God bless you, young soldier, and both your family at home and your new army family in Afghanistan. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.