My daughter was mocked for standing alone at the father-daughter dance — until a group of Marines walked into the gym.

Katie’s class, Molly, waved from across the room, her dad dipping her in a clumsy waltz. “Hi, Katie!” she called. Her dad smiled at us with a quick nod.

Katie smiled but didn’t move.

“Do you see any of your friends?”

We found a spot by the mats. I sat on the edge, and Katie curled up beside me, knees to her chest, badge glinting in the colored lights.continue reading …