Smile List

Because I could use the reminders of things that make me thankful tonight, things that make me smile...

• mango body scrub from the body shop
• keeping a full meal down for the first time in almost a week
• homemade chocolate chip cookies
• mandarin oranges from the grocery store
• sheepskin lined slippers
• warm pajamas
• beautiful fall weather
• commutes to work via George instead of the train
• plans to rest in bed and read some Psalms tonight
• plans for an early bedtime
• the West Wing on dvd
• the season premiere of House
  

He was 21

Calgary bid farewell to the latest local soldier to be killed in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan yesterday.

This one hit closer to home for me.

He was young, falling between my two younger brothers. And he attended the same high school that they did, in our neighborhood. I don't know if they knew him, or knew of him. It doesn't really matter all that much to me.

He was just a year older than my baby brother.

But what really catches my attention is the tattoo emblazoned across his back. The one of which countless pictures have appeared in the local media this last week. "For Those I Love I Will Sacrifice."

A life statement of sorts. A powerful one. One that challenges me. And one that becomes that much more poignant given that this young man gave his life serving his country.