BOOK ONE

CHAPTER 1

When you come to a fork in the road, take it. (2

You’ve no doubt experienced “defining moments” or

“turning points” in your life. Sometimes we don’t

recognize them as such, until later. At other times

they’re locked in place like a frozen frame on a roll of film.

 

“You used to live in my house” was said to me on Friday,

March 6, 1981. I can tell you, within the hour, exactly where

I was, what I was doing, and of course, who said it. Those

words created a defining moment in my life. The path that was

created has rarely been dull. Like most paths, it has changed

from time to time, with its own twists and turns, hills and

valleys, and even Grand Canyon-like landscapes. But, as you

who have hiked mountains or even the Grand Canyon, know

that the journey can be hard, exhausting and exhilarating. The

journey has its own rewards.

 

“You used to live in my house.” Those 7 words were the

first words that my wife, Louisa, said to me.

My response was immediate, and I have thought about

it many times since. I said, “You must be one of the Hunter

girls.” She replied that she was Louisa Hunter Harrison. I still

find my response curious because my former wife and I had

lived in a number of rental properties in the years we were

married. How did I know that Louisa spoke of that house?

How did I know that she was one of “the Hunter girls?” I had

never even seen a photo of them. I just recall the neighbors

referring to the Hunter girls.