On April 14, 2007 our niece, Krista, and her husband, David, renewed their vows. It had been two years and a few days ago, in April, 2005, that they married before Krista left for Iraq.

Last weekend seemed magical—time stood still—there was love, laughter, dancing, dining, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom—all the stuff that fairytales are made of. An honor guard of military officers with sabers drawn and blades towards the heavens (to cut all problems into small pieces) protected the bride and groom as they exited the church. We danced to “Shout”, “Mona”, “Unchained Melody” and shared in the many toasts and good wishes. We ate yummy wedding cake and watched the grooms cake of Dunkin Doughnuts dispappear in the mouths of the many law enforcement officers present. Krista was radiant, dancing almost every dance and still having time for just the perfect comment to each of her guests. David’s toast, a tribute to his father and his longtime friends still glows in its sincerity. Yes, last weekend was truly special. We watched young men and women, many of them veterans of the Iraq war or of the hunt for Bin Laden in Afghanistan, celebrate a very special couple’s love. The mood was joyous and for a brief moment I was able to put aside my fear for Krista’s safety and David’s loneliness. I knew I could not afford to give words to the rage that smoldered inside me. Why, Mr. President, must you tear families apart? Why do you send innocent children into harm’s way? This is not a fairytale, sir, this is a frightening, demoralizing reality!