I have been sitting down to write these columns since 1978. For 44 years I have stared at a piece of blank paper or a blank computer screen and wondered what morsels of wit and wisdom I would pass on to my dear readers.

2,288 columns later, I‘d have to say that it’s still a challenge some weeks to come up with a topic. Some subjects are just too depressing to write about — the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe and the resultant removal of a right that has stood for nearly 50 years is one such example. One wonders what further rights Justice Alito plans to eliminate. Meanwhile Justice Thomas (whose wife worked to overturn the last Presidential election results) has indicated that rights such as gay marriage and contraception could be next. Talk about saying the quiet parts out loud!

Other miserable events include the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the relentless savagery of Putin and the Russian army. Those brave Ukrainians continue their battle to preserve their homeland as the West sends support, but no troops. How will it end?

Then there is the ongoing desolation caused by the former President. It is difficult to overstate the destruction that one man did to our democracy. But listening to the brave young Cassidy Hutchinson testify in the January 6 hearings brings a glimmer of hope that perhaps the those who sought to destroy our democracy will be held to account.

On the other hand, some topics are almost too wonderful to write about. I don’t feel that a column could do them justice. My niece Abby’s wedding to Andrew this past weekend was one of those sacred moments that had it all — a chance to see everyone we hadn’t seen together since the pandemic began, a young couple in love whose heartfelt vows brought us to tears, and a beautiful celebration of a great pair by their loving family and friends. It’s what life is all about.

This week is just one of those weeks when it’s hard to sit still long enough to write a coherent long-form essay, so you’ll have to do with these random brain-droppings. At this moment, the world is filled with many sad and depressing things, but having a sunny weekend celebration of Abby’s and Andrew’s love and commitment to one another is the perfect antidote to such gloom.

Congratulations, dear Abby and Andrew. Wishing you a life together filled with love, adventures, and sunny days.