by Nancy L. Ford

About the author: Nancy L. Ford is the editor of Partners Off Duty, a bimonthly newsletter for family and friends of police officers.

Iwas a bridesmaid in my sister-in-law’s wedding. My job was to walk down the aisle holding a single lighted candle. I did so graciously, smilingly, as did the other bridesmaids. The camera recorded this moment. It’s hard to imagine, watching the videotape of my calm face that the entire time I was walking down the aisle, the scorching, dripping wax from the candle was burning me with every step I took.

Imagine if there were a camera taping a fight between you and your husband, only it didn’t show the part where he came tromping into the house with his boots full of...