A really good friend of mine sent me this e-mail. Please keep them in your prayers. Thanks.

You'll have to forgive the group e-mail but I thought this would be the most efficient way to share with you this strange news.

I am currently writing you from Attleboro, MA, (outside of Boston) where my sister was married today. February 4, 2003. Many of you knew that she was supposed to get married this summer on June 28th, but unfortunately her plans had to change drastically due to Bush's obsession with Iraq. Her fiancee, now husband, is in active reserves and was placed on high alert last week, meaning that within the next thirty days he could be called to go to war and given only 2 days notice. In order to save their security deposits and ensure that they were married, summer plans were scrapped, I bought plane tickets yesterday, flew up this morning, and my sister got married today at 4 pm in Attleboro City Hall by a Justice of the Peace. The ceremony was short and simple, but everyone was enjoying themselves, and my sister and Todd Caldwell (her hubby) looked wonderful. It just seemed so surreal- no one had much time to mentally prepare for this big and important step in my family's life. Crazy! But Good!

Afterwards there was a nice reception at a local Italian restaurant for the 20 or so guests that were able to make it with just 4 days notice. Food and conversation was just perfect, and I was amazed at just how well our two families got along. It's like my mom has a new sister! Anyway, at the end of the evening, the mood in the restaurant drastically changed....

Todd received a call for deployment IN THE CAR ON THE WAY TO THE RECEPTION (after getting married), and was told he had to report to the local armory tomorrow morning (Wed. 2/5) at 6:00 am, and that he will be deployed to IRAQ for ONE YEAR on MONDAY (2/10). Sadly the wedding night and wedding bliss has been cut short, so I ask you to please pray for my sister and her husband. According to my mom, sometimes reservists are deployed but kept in "preparation mode" on US soil, although the chances are slim. Here's hoping for the best...

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with you all and ask that you keep them in your prayers. My sister is going to need a lot of strength and courage and patience in the weeks ahead.

Thanks and many smiles,
Francis

i will pray for the entire family and cricle of friends as i am sure it takes a toll on everyone involved. god be with them all.

I too will pray for you all. My husband was a reservist and called up during the Persian Gulf war. It was such a stressful time. The unknown was terrifying, not only for our family but everyone involved. Luckily he was kept stateside and I will pray that the same is true for your sister's husband. I'll never understand why our leaders think war is the answer. Bless you all.