I thought you would burst from unexploded laughter when my ten-year-old self knocked at your door in my Sunday best fresh-picked dandelions in my grimy hands as permission was granted to court your daughter
Thirty years later, you made the grievous error of asking your daughter if she wanted to attend my mother's wake the mother who always said I would marry that daughter
Today that daughter prepares her pilgrimage to home and bedside a journey I can't take because we are fellow travelers and you boarded the express
Our lives have always been twisted; yes, literally and figuratively between friend and family I pray you safe and quiet passage and will let you know how the kids and grandkids are doing when I catch you on the second shift
If you know my father-in-law, the title is self-explanatory. Blessings upon you, Allan Hull Sr.