(no subject)

[katallison]

So I've been more than a bit stressed lately about the impending interview, possible move, etc., and doing a lot of the hand-to-forehead "Oh my life is so complex" thing lately. And then today I get an e-mail from one of my advisees--an extraordinarily bright young man, double neuroscience/philosophy major, who's also in the military--saying his unit's being deployed, leaving Monday, and he needs to be withdrawn from all his classes. And all of a sudden my own small anxieties resume their proper significance in the grand scheme of things, which is to say negligible.

I haven't had anyone I know personally sent into combat since Vietnam. I'm still wanly hoping it doesn't come to that, again, but such hopes seem foolish at this point. I don't really know what unit this guy is in, so I can't track what's happening with him, but I'll be thinking of him, and wondering. He was preparing to apply to medical school. Did I mention extraordinarily bright? And twenty years old--everything still in front of him.

So, anyway. Less bitching about trivia from me, at least for a while.

(Sekrit message to those who've been subjected to my personal-life dramatics--situation is much improved. Whew. Sorry about the meltdown.)

Comments

[arallara.livejournal.com]

Oh, man. Yeah, my roommate tried to get me to watch some of the State of the Union address with him because he thought it was all hilarious. And it is, of course, in some ways. George Bush is nothing if not a bad, bad joke. But I was not very capable of finding it funny, you know? I tried to watch some of it, and mostly it just freaked me out too much.

A dose of perspective is a good thing, but I'm sorry that in this case it involves someone you know being put in harm's way. Yuck.

I'm glad things are feeling better for you personally, though! And I'll be thinking of you this weekend, for sure! {{hugs}}

Pensive Thoughts

[morgandawn.livejournal.com]

I read poetry when I was younger, and when asked to read a poem in high school I chose "Pro Patria Mori" by Siegfrid Sassoon.

But this is the poem that has been my sig line for many years:

====================================
Everyone's voice was suddenly lifted,
And beauty came like the setting sun.
My heart was shaken with tears; and horror
Drifted away ... O but everyone
Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.
(S. Sassoon)

[the-star-fish.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking good thoughts, for him and for you. And I'm suddenly very glad my son is only turning 15.

There's a hug for you here anytime you need one, you know.

[eliade.livejournal.com]

I'm glad things are better, sweetie. I've been bad about writing but have been telepathing good thoughts to you. By the way, I hope you heard from L. about staying here in Seattle...? :) Am I on crack or is it *this* weekend? Looking forward to seeing you!

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear things are improving for you. I'm feeling better too, if that helps.

Still available if you want to talk.

[tinyfroglet.livejournal.com]

Perspective is an amazing thing that shifts without warning.