Tragically, so many Iraqis I know echo those same sentiments. For the vast majority of them, the defining moments of the last 10 years are not of Saddam Hussein's trial and execution, the drafting of the constitution or dipping their fingers in purple ink in the first elections.

It is the moment they last saw their loved one, gave them that last hug or kiss goodbye -- not knowing it would turn out to be such a precious moment -- before they were inexplicably, harshly torn away.