Hi Jenna,

   Just figured out (duh) how to send messages here. Your "freedom isn't free" post resonated. This weekend I was so touched by one of the many weddings on the beach, the tiny gatherings I think of as "deployment weddings," where the groom is in the service and the entire wedding party is less than half dozen people. In this case, the bride, who looked to be about 19,  was wearing an inexpensive shiny white wedding dress, a black strapless bra peeking up from the back (I found this so touching. She did with what she had, and it didn't matter, she was so lovely and aglow). The groom, in his dress whites and sailor cap, his best friend in Navy blues, and another buddy in civilian clothes -- black jeans and a dress shirt. I'm betting none were over 21. I offered to take their picture as a group, as they kept moving the camera around to get different groupings in the photo (too bad you weren't there with your skills!).  They told me they were from Texas(the bride), Indiana (the groom), Kansas (buddy in Navy blues) and New York (the buddy in jeans). Such a sweet moment and one that said so much in an instant -- about our diverse and wonderful country, the optimism of youth, the sacrifices made by our service members, the home and proving ground the military provides for so many. 

A couple of days later there was another wedding on the beach, this one with a dozen matching bridesmaids and groomsmen, three photographers, guests waiting forever for the perfect bride to appear. Must've cost a fortune and, God bless, may they be happy forever, but somehow I have more hope for that tiny gathering of four friends, celebrating vows to love and cherish, even as they must separate and go off to sea.