Oh Robyn

I read that topic and my heart sank - for you, for me, for anyone who has seen a child (or will see a child) head off to a war zone - whether as a peace-keeper, on the front line, or somewhere in between like your boy.

I have four sons... the eldest of whom has just reached "conscription age" (18) should EnZed ever conscript soldiers again. My eldest nephew (nearly 20) has just been accepted into the military as a chef - he heads off to boot camp at Waiuru in a month.

My thoughts are with you and yours. I can only imagine how difficult some of the thoughts racing about your head can be. On the other hand, I also am fatalistic in my apprach to life - things will happen no matter what we mortals try and do to avert them. And going to Iraq might be the most fantastic thing in his life - something he will always remember... intrigue, mystery, new people, food and sights.

Arohanui, Rave